Context Flashcards
When was The Duchess of Malfi written?
1614
Who is the real Duchess that inspired The Duchess of Malfi?
Giovanna d’Aragona
What significant event occurred in 1605 related to the Catholic faith?
The gunpowder plot dragged the Catholic faith further into disrepute
Why did Webster set The Duchess of Malfi in Italy?
Italy was synonymous with corruption, violence, and promiscuity
What societal changes led to the emergence of city comedies?
Economic and social upheaval due to the rise of the middle class
What are city comedies?
Satires of the merchant class in London
What was the common Jacobean view of widows?
Widows were seen as lustful and remarriage was frowned upon
Was marriage ‘per verba de presenti’ legal?
Yes
What characteristics define a Jacobean ‘cuckold’?
A man whose wife is having an affair, depicted with horns and a hat
What was the reputation of James I court?
Known for its corruption and sexual licentiousness
Who speaks the most lines in The Duchess of Malfi?
Bosola
What is a tragic hero according to Aristotle?
A person of eminence whose death generates pity, compassion, and fear
What is ‘hamartia’?
A fatal flaw that leads to the tragic hero’s downfall
How did Seneca influence Webster? Name one aspect.
Use of supernatural elements like lycanthropy
What was King Ferdinand known for?
His bloody enforcement of the Catholic faith
What was the Jacobean attitude towards Machiavellian principles?
They despised him for his lack of principles
Fill in the blank: The Duchess was murdered by her _______.
brothers
Fill in the blank: The character Bosola represents a _______ type in England.
recognizable English
True or False: The Duchess of Malfi was based on true historical events.
True
Ars moriendi
Art of dying written in 15thC advised Christian’s on how to die well. Bosola tempts duchess to dispair
La Danse Macabre
Dance of the death, symbol of fragility and human life
Contempus mundi
A classical and Christian idea that life on earth is frail, temporary and meaningless whilst afterlife is the lasting reward
