Duchess of Malfi: Punishment

Question 1

‘Webster’s characters die __________, asserting their __________ to the last _______’

Answer 1

‘Webster’s characters die superbly, asserting their selfhood to the last breath’

Tyan

Question 2

‘To bring her to _______’

Answer 2

‘To bring her to despair’ (Ferdinand about Duchess)

• Bring her to damnation, views himself as the ultimate judge
• Wants to control the Duchess’ mind and soul

Question 3

‘Where shalt thou find this __________ registered unless in ____?’

Answer 3

‘Where shalt thou find this judgement registered unless in hell?’

• Hellish/immoral nature of Bosola’s actions that belong to ‘hell’
• Punishment of the Duchess not justified

Question 3

‘Was I her _______?’

Answer 3

‘Was I her judge?’ (Bosola)

• Bosola questioning his actions and his authority over the duchess
• Reference to God’s divine judgement

Question 4

‘____________ humour’

Answer 4

‘melancholy humour’

• Reference to Ferdinand’s lyncanthropy (mental/physical punishment for his immoral acts)
• Context: Greek physician Hippocrates belief human existence/health dependent on the balance of the 4 humours (blood, yellow+black bile, phlegm)

Question 5

‘Now my __________ is perfect. ______, thou main cause of my _________’

Answer 5

‘Now my revenge is perfect. SInk, thou main cause of my undoing’

• Ferdinand and the Cardinal’s death fulfils Bosola’s revenge
• They are the reason for his sinful soul/ruin/downfall