Duchess of Malfi - Quotes

Question 1

‘I fell into the galleys in your service’

Answer 1

1.1 Bosola [to Cardinal]
Themes: Corruption

Question 2

‘Some fellows, they say, are possessed with the devil, but this great fellow were able to posses the greatest devil and make him worse.’

Answer 2

1.1 Bosola [to Antonio about Cardinal]
Themes: Corruption, Religion

Question 3

‘He is a melancholy churchman…Where he is jealous of any man he lays worse plots for them than ever was imposed on Hercules.’

Answer 3

1.2 Antonio [to Delio about Cardinal]
Themes: Corruption

Question 4

‘He should have been Pope…he did bestow bribes… as if he would have carried it away without heaven’s knowledge.’

Answer 4

1.2 Antonio [to Delio about Cardinal]
Themes: Corruption, Religion

Question 5

‘He speaks with other’s tongues…Dooms men to death by information.’

Answer 5

1.2 Antonio [to Delio about Ferdinand]
Themes: Corruption

Question 6

‘the right noble Duchess…She throws upon a man so sweet a look…noble virtue…Let all sweet ladies break their flattering glasses and dress themselves in her.’

Answer 6

1.2 Antonio [to Delio about Duchess]
Themes: Desire, Femininity

Question 7

‘observe the Duchess…I would not have her marry again.’

Answer 7

1.2 Ferdinand [to Bosola]
Themes: Patriarchy, Secrecy, Desire

Question 8

‘You know already what man is’

Answer 8

1.2 Ferdinand [to Duchess]
Themes: Desire, Female sexuality

Question 9

‘Diamonds are of most value they say, that have past through most jewellers’ hands.’

Answer 9

1.2 Duchess [to brothers]
Themes: Wit. Female power

Question 10

‘I’ll never marry.’

Answer 10

1.2 Duchess [to brothers]
Themes: Female desire

Question 11

‘The marriage night is the entrance into some prison.’

Answer 11

1.2 Cardinal [to Duchess]
Themes: Patriarchy, Desire

Question 12

‘This was my father’s poniard.’

Answer 12

1.2 Ferdinand [to Duchess]
Themes: Desire, Patriarchal power

Question 13

‘a neat knave with a smooth tale…Farewell, lusty widow!’

Answer 13

1.2 Ferdinand [to Duchess]
Themes: Desire, Patriarchal power

Question 14

‘Let old wives report I winked and chose a husband.’

Answer 14

1.2 Duchess
Themes: Female power

Question 15

‘Twas my wedding ring and I did vow never to part with it, but to my second husband.’

Answer 15

1.2 Duchess [to Antonio]
Themes: Gender roles, Desire

Question 16

‘[puts the ring on his finger]’

Answer 16

1.2 Duchess [with Antonio]
Themes: Female power, Gender roles

Question 17

‘Raise yourself…[He rises]’ ‘Kneel.’

Answer 17

1.2 Duchess & Antonio
Themes: Female power, Gender roles

Question 18

‘[Kisses him]’

Answer 18

1.2 Duchess [to Antonio]
Themes: Female power, Gender roles, Desire

Question 19

‘We now are man and wife’

Answer 19

1.2 Duchess [to Antonio]
Themes: Gender roles