Ferdinand

Question 1

Take fire when i fire”

Answer 1

• fire - intense emotions, destruction, and passion - He expects blind obedience to his commands
• volatile, mecurial nature - Ferdinand’s controlling nature and the way he uses his position to dominate and manipulate others
• Ferdinand’s obsession with control ultimately leads to the tragic events that unfold.

Question 2

I have this night digged up a mandrake

Answer 2

• In Renaissance thought, the mandrake was believed to emit a scream when it was uprooted, which could cause death or madness
• gradually descending into irrationality and rage.

Question 3

I would not have her marry again”

Answer 3

• Ferdinand’s desire to prevent the Duchess from remarrying also stems from his jealousy and obsessive nature
• widows had the autonomy to remarry - Ferdinand is restricting her - incestuous desire
• eflection of this patriarchal control, where a woman’s autonomy is sacrificed in favor of maintaining the control of the male members of her family.

Question 4

“root up her goodly forests”

Answer 4

• violent s intention to destroy the Duchess’s happiness
• effort to dominate and restrict the Duchess’s freedom as a male authority figure, feels entitled to control her life choices

Question 5

Cover her face, mine eyes dazzle”

Answer 5

• dazzle” implies a moment overwhelming emotion/ disorientation - internal conflict and emotional devastation as he is confronted with the physical manifestation of his violence and manipulation.
• Throughout the play, he has been a figure of authority and power, trying to control his sister’s life and fate. In the end, however, he finds himself powerless, unable to confront the consequences of his own violent actions.