Background info

Question 1

postnote 1

Answer 1

Themes- Anti-Catholic sentiment, mental instability, sibling relationships and proto-feminism against patriarchal values and misogyny.
Reformation- 1503.
Depicts the corruption of the Church.
Architectural references demonstrate security.

Question 2

postnote 2

Answer 2

William Painter- ‘The Palace of pleasure’ stories.
Giovanna d’Avagonna- the real life Duchess, widowed and mysteriously died.
Dispenses her name- known by her status- disconnecting- reflects social attitudes of the era , can’t get rid of her former status.
Contrast between public and domestic status, duchess defies social norms.
High point of English theatre, drive towards realism/ satire in English comedy oppression with moral corruption in tragedy, cynical and pessimistic.

Question 3

postnote 3

Answer 3

Revenge tragedy, centered on characters with high social status; flaws, personal errors.
Female protagonist serves as the male hero, achieved dignity and knowledge.
Reached anagnorisis.
Supernatural elements.
T.S Elliot ‘they exceed the object’- revenge exceeds punishment.
Duchess fell in love with Antonio, marries below her class, defies the chain of being and social expectation.