ideas - by ingram Flashcards
what is the duchess’s pregnancy presented as
a disease or sickness
what does the phallic image of ‘this is my poniard’ suggest
phallic imagery expresses ferdinands desire/incestuous feelings for his sister
or patriarchal power (handed down from his father)
what does the poison bible represent
symbol of his abuse of power - how he uses religion as an instrument to inflict harm on others
what is different between the original plot (by william painter) and websters version
doesnt conform to misogynistic ideas of the duchess (idea that she married to “glut her own libidinous appetite”)
who inspired the duchess of malfi
seneca
what was the italian court associated with at this time
corruption and vice
who was italy home to
the pope
what could the cardinal reflect
his corrupt and malevolent character could reflect the anti-catholic sentiments of the time
what did the italian setting allow webster to do
attack his own government/monarchy without fear of prosecution
what do the plays have in common (women)
female protagonists who are victims of male oppression and abuse
what does the cardinal do that shows gender double standards
declares all women are unfaithful whilst having an affair with julia
what does bosola do showing gender based double standards
mocks women for “painting” their face and therefore being deceitful
- then insists he wears a mask before murdering the duchess “not in mine own shape”
how does the duchess’ marriage disrupt social norms
sacrilegious element - violates great chain of being
what idea on women suggests both playwrights are reinforcing misogynistic attitudes
non-conformist and disruptive women whose actions lead directly to tragedy
what does the quote “why should only i of all the other princes of the world be cased up like a holy relic” show
asking why women are granted less freedom then men
