Duchess Context Flashcards
King and Queen
Who were the King and Queen of the era( And what was the provaling religion)
At first it was Queen Elizabeth 1 and after King James 1
Queen Elizabeth represented newley emerging protestantism when she came into power. The play touches on the tensions between Catholisism and Protestantism as England had shifted to Protestantism under Elizabeth 1’st and James 1st rule
What was the name of the society
Jacobean society
Kingship
Would you say that there was a lot of tension surrounding Kingship in this era (Give example)
There was loads:
To start the era was convolluded with political intrigue, power struggles and corruption.
- Just to name one the Gunpowder plot to kill the King threatening Kingship and challenging divine right
What was James 1st a large believer in
James 1st was obsessed with the idea of divine right of kingship
-This theme is remenicent through F and C as both express a severely hierarchical and superior authority over the Duchess’ life (femininity/ politically)
The Duchess is a rare example of a strong independent female….
The Duchess is a rare example of a strong independent female protagonist in the Jacobean drama
What kind of Machiavellianism is shown in the play
A leader must be both a fox and a lion, posessing cunning and strength.
Alludes to the idea of deceptiveness and ruthlessenss in the play (Bosola + Cardinal + Ferdinand)
One must sacrifice there morality to gain power
- Bosola is more of a rare case as he is like a fox, deceptive, but his cruel actions are less immoral and instead a byproduct of a society that rewards power and deception. In this way he is not like the Cardinal and Ferdinand. His killing the two of them is almost him saying how he detests this society which rewards cruelty.
