AO3 - Both plays Flashcards
What is the link between Lady Arbella Stuart & DOM?
The Duchess’ transgressive desire to select her own marriage could be Webster’s reference to Lady Arbella Stuart, a noble woman who was also persecuted for her clandestine marriage.
What is the link between the DOM and Queen Elizabeth the 1st?
The Duchess’ feminine authority and stoicism: ‘I am Duchess of Malfi still’ which contrasts the erratic behaviour of her brothers perhaps embodies the Jacobean longing/nostalgia for a return to the rulership of Queen Elizabeth the 1st.
Social discontent with the patriarchal aragonian bros & sexual and political domination = resonates with the corruption & absolutist ideology of James I’s court
What was the Renaissance Humanism movement and how can we see this through TDOM?
- RH = a belief in one’s own self-worth and individual dignity.
Webster’s characterisation of this highly protofeminist Duchess suggests Renaissance Literature’s renewed interest in humanism => DOM’s pursuit of marriage & constant questioning of the social restraints limiting her mobility imbues her with an strong sense of ‘self-worth’ & dignity.
She even maintains this dignity in the faced of death ‘I am Duchess of Malfi still’.
How can Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ be linked to TDOM.
- Penned ‘The Prince’ which posited the idea of ‘the ends justify the means’ = Certainly Webster muses this concept through the Aragonian Brothers & Bosola to illustrate corrupt abuse and misuse of power.
