context Malfi Flashcards
why was the renaissance significant in Webster’s work?
the rebirth was often attributed to 12th century Italy, as well as influences from the moors, the area which Malfi is based
what major event relates to the political instability in Malfi?
the Gunpowder plot, when they planned to blow up parliament, suggesting British politics was just as corrupt
why was Italy a significant place to base the play?
to distance the action from Britain, so it was not so close to home
how does religion have an impact on the play?
the Duchess doesn’t marry in a church and the only time she’s seen in one is when she is being excommunicated/exiled. This suggests a discontent with the catholic church.
what was the play like when it was first published?
not well recieved, many rejected it on religious grounds.
what way does the duchess differ from queen elizabeth?
Unlike the ‘Virgin Queen’, the Duchess seeks marital intimacy rather than renouncing it. Possessed of a healthy sexual appetite, her desires are presented as completely natural.
in what way was Catherine de Valois similar to the Duchess?
her husband, Henry V, died and she remarried her steward, resulting in her imprisonment by the High Council
how was madness percieved in 17th century?
Mental illness could be seen as both a natural and a supernatural event - a sickness or something caused by devils or astronomical events. People had no difficulty accepting both these explanations at the same time.
what vows are made by priests?
obedience - to obey superiors and God
poverty - to own no possessions
chastity - to never take a wife or have sexual relations
how was infidelity percieved?
entirely the fault of the woman, men took little accountability for it
what was the common life of a widow?
many wealthy widows did not remarry, as the independence granted through their husbands death was rare; the duchess’s remarriage is purely sexually related
who was the duchess of malfi based on?
Giovanna d’Aragona, she was 12 when she first married and remarried Antonio Bologna, and was murdered in 1513 along with two of her children, Antonio soon after. their eldest child survived
what was the Wives conduct book for Christian women?
1557, stated that when it comes to choosing a husband, maidens should keep quiet, and leave these decisions to their parents
who was Lady Arbella Stuart?
she was 4th in line to the throne in 1610, who married William seymour, and was imprisoned in the tower of London for doing so, after having escaped once.
who was Peeter Stubbe?
he confessed to having practiced black magic since he was twelve years old. He claimed that the Devil had given him a magical belt or girdle, which enabled him to metamorphose into “the likeness of a greedy, devouring wolf - lots of werewolf stories came from this
