Duchess Quotes Flashcards
How does Antonio describe the Duchess in Act 1 Scene 2?
Antonio uses a noun phrase to describe her, highlighting her good morals and high social status. She is portrayed as the tragic heroine of the piece.
“But for their sister, the right noble duchess.”
What does the Duchess suggest about women’s sexuality in Act 1 Scene 2?
The Duchess implies that sexual relationships are valuable, while also indicating that women’s sexuality was policed at the time. This is presented through a taboo metaphor.
“Diamonds are of most value, They say, that have pass’d through most jewellers’ hands.”
What does the Duchess assert about her choice of husband in Act 1 Scene 2?
The Duchess defies the patriarchy by asserting her independence and agency in choosing her own husband, which ultimately leads to her downfall.
“Let old wives report I winked and chose a husband.”
How is the Duchess oppressed in Act 1 Scene 2?
The Duchess is oppressed due to her social status and gender, feeling unattainable and constrained, lacking free will.
“The misery of us that are born great; we are forced to woo because none dare woo us.”
What does the Duchess reveal about her humanity in Act 1 Scene 2?
The Duchess humanizes herself, acknowledging her lack of free will due to oppression and emphasizing her fallibility.
“This is flesh and blood, sir. ‘Tis not the figure cut in alabaster.”
What does the Cardinal imply about marriage in Act 1 Scene 2?
The Cardinal suggests that marriage is akin to entrapment for women, foreshadowing the Duchess’s tragic fate.
“The marriage night is entrance into some prison.”
What significant event occurs after the Duchess eats the apricot in Act 2 Scene 1?
After eating the apricot given by Bosola, the Duchess’s water breaks, indicating the consequences of her marriage and introducing motifs of light and dark.
“Lights to my chamber! Oh, good Antonio, I fear I am undone.”
How does Ferdinand perceive the Duchess’s defiance in Act 3?
Ferdinand’s perception of the Duchess’s defiance leads him to believe she is a witch, attributing her actions to something biological related to her rank.
“Swears, by equivocation, they are in love. The witchcraft lies in her rank blood.”
What does the Duchess claim about marrying for political reasons in Act 3 Scene 1?
The Duchess tells Ferdinand she will marry for political reasons, which is a lie since she has already married for love, highlighting the role of women in politics.
“When I choose a husband, I will marry for your honour.”
What does the Duchess express about her reputation in Act 3 Scene 1?
The Duchess acknowledges that her remarriage has led to rumors that damage her reputation, illustrating the dangers of breaking societal norms for women.
“About a scandalous report is spread, touching mine honour.”
What does the Duchess say about the ease of dying compared to living in Act 4 Scene 1?
The Duchess reflects on the torment of living, suggesting that it is easier to die than to endure suffering, which underscores her tragic demise.
“That’s the greatest torture souls feel in hell. In hell that they must live, and cannot die.”
What does the Duchess reveal about her feelings towards her role in the world in Act 4 Scene 1?
The Duchess breaks the fourth wall, expressing her sense of being trapped in a role against her will, linking her character to Giovanna d’Aragona.
“I account this world a tedious theatre, For I do play a part in’t ‘gainst my will.”
What declaration does the Duchess make to Bosola in Act 4 Scene 2?
The Duchess asserts her identity and power, confronting death and rejecting the narrative of weakness, demonstrating her tragic heroism.
“I am Duchess of Malfi still.”
What is significant about the music used in the Royal Shakespeare Company 2014 Production?
Traditional Jacobean music is used for the Duchess and Antonio’s playful duet, which later takes on a sinister tone when used by Ferdinand.
Act 3 Scene 2
How does the Duchess respond to Antonio’s advances in Act 3 Scene 2?
The Duchess playfully rejects Antonio’s insistence on sleeping with her, highlighting themes of disorder and social status.
“You are lord of misrule!”
What does the Duchess express to Ferdinand in Act 3 Scene 2 about her fate?
The Duchess maintains a masculine quality, accepting her fate with dignity, indicating her strength in adversity.
“‘Tis welcome: For know, whether I am doomed to live or die, I can do both like a prince.”
What does the Duchess declare about her marital status to Ferdinand in Act 3 Scene 2?
The Duchess firmly states her marital status to Ferdinand, asserting her independence and challenging gender norms.
“I pray, sir, hear me: I am married.”
What metaphor does the Duchess use regarding women’s roles in Act 3 Scene 2?
The Duchess compares women to birds kept as pets, linking her situation to the Cardinal’s treatment of Julia, emphasizing their lack of freedom.
“Your shears do come untimely now To clip the bird’s wings that’s already flown.”
What challenge does the Duchess present to Ferdinand in Act 3 Scene 2?
The Duchess challenges Ferdinand’s authority, questioning why she should be limited by her gender, reflecting her desire for equality.
“Why might not I marry? I have not gone about in this to create Any new world or custom.”
What does the Duchess openly challenge Ferdinand about in Act 3 Scene 2?
The Duchess openly challenges Ferdinand’s strictness regarding her actions, asserting her right to choose her own path.
“You are in this Too strict,”
What contradiction does the Duchess face regarding her reputation in Act 3 Scene 2?
Despite her confidence, the Duchess is still naive, as she believes her reputation is safe while being labeled a ‘strumpet’ by society.
“My reputation is safe.”
How does the Duchess assert her power in Act 3 Scene 2?
The Duchess refuses to see herself as inferior due to her gender, challenging the expectations placed upon her.
“Why should only I, Of all the other princes of the world, Be cased up like a holy relic?”
What does the Duchess attempt to do with Bosola in Act 3 Scene 2?
The Duchess tries to manipulate Bosola, defying the stereotype of the weak woman, showcasing her strength and intelligence.
“You shall take charge of all my coins and jewels. And follow him for he retires himself To Ancona.”
What does the Duchess dream about in Act 3 Scene 5?
The Duchess dreams that her crown loses value, with pearls symbolizing death, reflecting her transformation and fall in status.
“Methought I wore my coronet of state And on a sudden all the diamonds Were changed to pearls.”
