Malfi - Context Flashcards
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Her transgression of societal values when she proposes to Antonio symbolises a crisis reflective of the chaotic reign of James 1
How can the play be interpreted?
The play can be interpreted as a commentary on James 1 reign with Webster transporting the plot to a setting far away in Italy so that his views are less controversial
James 1 reign
1603-1625
Reaction when James 1 became monarch after Queen Elizabeth 1 died
great relief as everybody was terrified by the lack of an heir.
Towards the end of a Elizabeth’s reign there was. …
Extreme poverty, civil war, famine and bad harvests
When did Elizabeth 1 die?
1603
What did James 1 want to do?
Unite Scotland and England
James 1
1) sexuality
2) witchcraft
3) money
4) drunkenness
5) gunpowder plot
His sexuality was a matter of dispute. He had several relationships with male courtiers such as George Villiers and Esme Stewark.
He was obsessed with witchcraft and blamed witches for the death of his mother, Mary Queen of Scots.
Reputation for giving excessively generous gifts; he was an outrageous spender. The historian ‘Smith’ says James was a ‘weak king of England’ who ‘wasted money’
He was associated with drunkenness (symbol of breaking tradition)
First time he favoured Protestant faith was after the gunpowder plot in 1605. This was very controversial.
Patriarchal Elizabethan society
Marriage is organised by men on behalf of the daughters
If a woman was widowed the rest of the family would be worried about family honoured
Stereotype of widows
They were obsessed with sex
Ferdinand and Cardinal think the Duchess is like this
Conflicts in societal values
Protestants viewed love and marriage at the heart of marriage whereas the upper-class food ideas of dynastic union to better social hierarchy
Example of woman presented in a derogatory and misogynistic way
The Wide of Bath
James I children
Prince Henry - died of typhoid, after his death lord of nostalgia for time of Elizabeth, after he died flourishing of Jacobean cult of Elizabeth
Elizabeth Stuart - named after Elizabeth I, became associated with nostalgia for Elizabeth I
Context on John Webster
Born 1578
Reputation for gory plays
15 years younger than Shakespeare but still considered his contemporary
Native of London
Most controversial of all Jacobean dramatists
What was John Webster’s first play
‘The White Devil’ performed in 1612
What is the Duchess of Malfi based on?
Palace of Pleasure by William Painter about Giovanna D’Aragon, Queen of Naples
How is DOM a revenge tragedy?
Imagery/atmosphere Assist Play within play Wolf Soliloquy Type of murder Final act
Blood, gore, darkness imagery
Villains that assist the revenge are killed (Bosola)
A play within a play (framed narrative) - madmen show organised by Ferdinand
Madness - Ferdinand as a wolf
Soliloquies
Violent murders
5th and final act where all characters are killed
Where is the play set and what can we say about that country
Italy
Was the birthplace of the renaissance and centre of Catholicism
Manuals reminding women of the wifely duties
‘A Crystal Glass for Christian Women’ - Philip Stubbes 1591
Other plays set abroad which allowed them to what
‘Measure for measure’ set in Vienna allowed dramatists to freely but indirectly critique the English court
James I’s ascension to to the throne ….
James I’s ascension to the throne was initially welcomed however soon the sense of security of having a married monarch with an heir was undermined by his extravagant habits associated with sex and drinking.
Theatrical context on how the darkness scene has been performed
During an indoor performance in Sam Wanamaker playhouse in 2014 this scene was directed in total darkness. Only when the Duchess calls out in horror - ‘Oh! Horrible’, are the candles lit and the audience realise Ferdinand has given her a wax hand.
However, critics such as Browne suggest the same scene played in an outside space such as the Globe would be more impactful; with slightly more light the audience are invited to watch the plot unfold and Ferdinand’s cruel actions minute-by-minute instead.
Anatomy
Interest in anatomy and public dissections reflected by characters fascination
‘What’s this flesh? Fantastical puff paste’ - Bosola about Dead duchess
Ferdinand’s threat to the doctor ‘flay off his skin to cover one of the anatomies’
Death and anatomy fascinating to audience then
Religion
Elizabeth Protestant
James I catholic
Elizabeth had Catholic opposition
James - strong advocate of royal absolutism, believing in divine right of kings and that he was an intermediary between his people and god.
Disliked by people because he spent lavishly, only summoned parliament once between 1612 and 1622, levied an unpopular tax on imports and exports without parliaments consent
Puritanism = type of Protestant
Gunpowder plot was a catholic plot. Triggered anti Catholicism and harsh legislation
Bye plot 1603 to kidnap James
Main plot 1603 remove James from throne and replace with his cousin lady Arabella Stuart
Gun powder plot 1605 attempt to blow up James’ parliament
Pope = catholic
James passed an act where everyone had to swear an Oath of Allegiance denying the popes authority over the king
Anti catholic Jacobean England
Malfi - catholic duchess and catholic country
