Duchess of Malfi Context Flashcards
Webster did various collaborations as well as individual works.. give an example…
Most famously with Thomas Dekker, his main collaborator, he wrote Westward Ho and Northward Ho which were both published-1607. – Battle for public favour.
As a child he went to see the play…
Titus Andronicus and loved the gore so he was inspired to write his own. – “I like it when they cut their heads off”
where did his legal knowledge come from?
He went to Middle Temple in 1598 for legal training. Which explains his knowledge of the legal world.
Name the other famous play Webster wrote?
“The white devil” 1612 also a tragedy of action based on true events whereas duchess of Malfi is a tragedy of suffering.
being a Revenge/renaissance tragedy – macabre (disturbing)…
it reflects Webster’s mind
Renaissance-new breed of playwright- his plays reveal…
Harsh truths about society- class divide, incest, love and lust etc
Popular genre at the time because…
Audiences at that time loves watching gory violence filled plays… and it gave writers a chance to redress wrongs ignored by courts through theatre.
Jacobean court…
Dominated by a small number of aristocrats- James 1st court was particularly corrupt- Webster wants us to question the morals of the court
Similar plays…
“Spanish tragedy” Thomas Kyd (1587) – violent murders and theme of revenge.
“It’s a pity she’s a hore” John Ford (1630) –includes incest…
“A crystal glass for Christian women”- Philip stubbes (1591)- women challenging patriarchy
play within a play…
dumb show …confused the audience, keeps them engaged
Based on real tragedy of…
Giovanna d’Aragona who married Antonio Becadelli.
And the plot is also from…
“Palace of pleasure” by William Painter
Duchess married below her class- (Marxist…)
Normally in those days widows didn’t remarry and the fact Antonio was below her class- This could explain why they are both punished - because of their actions being so immoral…
