Ferdinand Quotes Flashcards
Ferdinand in Act 1 Scene 2. How is Ferdinand characterized?
Ferdinand is surrounded by flatterers who are corrupt, alerting the audience to the disorder in the court.
“Methinks you that are courtiers should be my touchwood, take fire when I give fire, that is, laugh when I laugh were the subject never so witty.”
What does Antonio say about Ferdinand in Act 1 Scene 2?
Ferdinand is described as violent and unstable, making him a dangerous individual who cannot be trusted.
“A most perverse and turbulent nature.”
What does Ferdinand ask Bosola regarding the Duchess in Act 1 Scene 2?
Ferdinand asks Bosola to spy on the Duchess, reflecting the oppressive reality for women at the time.
“She’s a young widow; I would not have her marry again.”
What does Ferdinand say to the Duchess in Act 1 Scene 3?
He uses a phallic symbol to express his incestuous desires and threaten her with violence, alienating women from their male relatives.
“You are my sister. This was my father’s poniard. Do you see?”
What is Ferdinand’s intention in Act 3 Scene 1 regarding the Duchess?
Ferdinand tries to set the Duchess up with Count Malateste, an older man, indicating his desire to control her marriage as a political tool.
“I am to bespeak a husband for you.”
What deceitful claim does Ferdinand make in Act 3 Scene 1?
He claims he will ignore the rumors about the Duchess, although the audience knows he will not.
“I pour it in your bosom. My fixed love Would strongly excuse, extenuate - nay, deny Faults were they apparent in you.”
What does Ferdinand plan to do in Act 3 Scene 1?
He intends to force a confession from the Duchess, invading her privacy.
“This night I will force confession from her. You told me You had got, within these two days, a false key into her bedchamber.”
What does Ferdinand say about superstition in Act 3 Scene 1?
He expresses disbelief in the power of potions or charms to influence love.
“Can your faith give way To think there’s power in potion’s or in charms to make us love whether we will or no?”
What does Ferdinand say about friendship at the end of Act 3 Scene 1?
He emphasizes the importance of truth and honesty in friendship.
“That friend a great man’s ruin strongly checks, Who rails into his belief all his defects.”
What does Antonio observe about Ferdinand in Act 1 Scene 2?
Ferdinand uses spies to gather information, showcasing his selfishness and disregard for others.
“He speaks with others’ tongues, and hears men’s suits With others’ ears.”
What does the Cardinal foreshadow about Ferdinand in Act 2 Scene 5?
He foreshadows Ferdinand’s lycanthropy, suggesting that his extreme anger deforms him.
“[Nothing] Makes man so deformed, so beastly, As doth intemperate anger.”
What does the Doctor say about Ferdinand’s condition in Act 5 Scene 2?
He describes Ferdinand’s transformation, comparing his internal state to that of a wolf.
“Said he was a wolf, only the difference Was, a wolf’s skin was hairy on the outside, His on the inside.”
What is Ferdinand’s reaction to the Duchess remarrying in Act 2 Scene 5?
His extreme and obsessive anger links to his incestuous desires and fear of men encroaching on his territory.
“Happily with some strong-thighed bargeman; Or one o’th’woodyard that can quoit the sledge Or toss the bar; or else some lovely squire That carries coals up to her privy lodgings.”
What does Ferdinand express in his rage in Act 2 Scene 5?
His obsessive desire for violence reflects a patriarchal view of women belonging to men.
“Tis not your ****’s milk that shall quench my wild-fire, But your **’s blood!”
What does Ferdinand do to the Duchess in Act 3 Scene 2?
He gives her a poniard, linking the act to his incestuous desires and power over her.
“Ferdinand gives her a poniard.”
Ferdinand to Duchess about meeting her husband in Act 3 Scene 2. His jealousy.
His behaviour is erratic and turbulent, guided by emotions. Basilisks are creatures which kill people when they look at them.
“Yes, if I could change Eyes with a basilisk.”
Ferdinand in Act 3 Scene 2. What does he foreshadow?
Lycanthropia, associated with untamed emotions and unrestrained imminent madness. Owls are an omen of death.
“The howling of a wolf Is music to thee, screech owl.”
Ferdinand in Act 3 Scene 2. What does he threaten?
He threatens to murder the Duchess’ husband should he find him.
“Yet am now persuaded it would beget such violent effects As would damn us both.”
Ferdinand in Act 3 Scene 2 to the Duchess. What is the consequence of desire?
Enjoy thy lust still and a wretched life On that condition.
“Enjoy thy lust still and a wretched life On that condition.”
Ferdinand in Act 3 Scene 2 to Duchess. What does he say about reputation?
Reputation cannot be regained, consequence of her desire. His jealousy, cannot forgive her.
“And so for you - You have shook hands with Reputation And made him invisible.”
Ferdinand in Act 3 Scene 3. What is he obsessed with?
Status and power. Jealousy.
“Antonio! A slave that only smelled of ink and counters, And never in life looked like a gentleman.”
Antonio in Act 3 Scene 5 to the Duchess regarding Ferdinand. How is Ferdinand characterized?
As animalistic, a predator, and they his victims. Status and Gender.
“Be a good mother to your little ones And save them from the tiger.”
Ferdinand in Act 4 Scene 1 to the Duchess. How does he view her?
As a sexual object, she had too much power. Desire to keep her for himself.
“You were too much i’ th’ light.”
Ferdinand to Duchess in Act 4 Scene 1. What does the hand symbolize?
Hand has ring, symbol of marriage. Torture. Sadistic. Theatrical trick.
“Gives her a dead man’s hand.”
