Malfi Heroines Quotes

Question 1

Williams and Webster both portray their heroines as alienated and ultimately imprisoned within a patriarchal society.

• Defined by beauty and physical appearance even by Antonio who appreciates her worth and arguably worships her.”

Answer 1

“‘Let all ladies break their flattering glasses / And dress themselves in her’ (Antonio; I, 2)

Question 2

Williams and Webster both portray their heroines as alienated and ultimately imprisoned within a patriarchal society.

• Her marrying him elevates Antonio and lowers her.”
• subverts gender roles as she is raising his status with her powers

Answer 2

“‘So, now the ground’s broke, / You may discover what a wealthy mine / I make you lord of.’ (Duchess; I, 2)

Question 3

Williams and Webster both portray their heroines as alienated and ultimately imprisoned within a patriarchal society.

• Duchess eats apricots and fears her secret is out
• She realises her limitations in a patriarchal society and the dangers threaten her
• evokes ideas of enforced imprisonment due to labour - contextually as women were forced to have a lying in period before and after giving birth

Answer 3

DUCHESS. Lights to my chamber!—O good Antonio, I fear I am undone!
(Duchess: II, 1)

Question 4

Both heroines however are depicted as gaining agency of some kind through their sexuality.

• The Duchess subverts the conventional belief in the 16th century that sexual experience diminishes a woman’s worth
• She likens herself to a diamond challenging society’s superficial judgements suggesting that her worth is inherent and not altered by her choices

Answer 4

‘Diamonds are of most value, / They say, that have past through most jewellers’ hands.’
(The Duchess; I., 2)

Question 5

Both heroines however are depicted as gaining agency of some kind through their sexuality.

• she is aware of the dangers/risks but choosing to use her sexuality to defy her brothers and the societal norms
• she is setting boundaries sexually showing that she is in control

Answer 5

‘Lay a naked sword between us, keep us chaste.’ (The Duchess; I, 2)

Question 6

Both heroines however are depicted as gaining agency of some kind through their sexuality.

• Her sexuality and pregnancy anger male antagonists such as Bosola at this point in the play and Ferdinand later in Act 2 Scene 5 and Act 4 especially. Here Webster uses a double entendre in the quote above of ‘graft’ (meaning sexual union with a servant as Bosola suspects but also how cuttings from prize fruit trees could be grafted onto the roots of lesser plants.)”

Answer 6

“’Tis a pretty art, this grafting.’
(Bosola; II, 1)

Question 7

Unlike Webster, who largely presents the Duchess as a defiant and noble person of high status, Williams presents Blanche as a psychologically damaged, emotionally fragile, socially liminal and culturally dispossessed woman.

• Webster emphasises the Duchess’ nobility by contrasting her characterisation with that of the antagonistic brothers.”

Answer 7

“‘But for their sister, the right noble Duchess, / You never fixed your eye on three fair medals / Cast in one figure of so different temper.’
(Antonio, I, 2)

Question 8

Unlike Webster, who largely presents the Duchess as a defiant and noble person of high status, Williams presents Blanche as a psychologically damaged, emotionally fragile, socially liminal and culturally dispossessed woman.

• Webster emphasises the Duchess’ nobility through her soliloquy here comparing her decision to wed Antonio with male soldiers and their valour. He also separates her from the offensive idiom of ‘old wives’ tales’ - she is a noble person and above such sexist stereotypes.”

Answer 8

“‘And even now, / Even in this hate, as men in some battles / By apprehending danger have achieved / Almost impossible actions - I have heard soldiers say so - So I, through frights and threatenings, will assay / This dangerous venture. Let old wives report / I winked and chose a husband.’
(Duchess, I, 2)

Question 9

Unlike Webster, who largely presents the Duchess as a defiant and noble person of high status, Williams presents Blanche as a psychologically damaged, emotionally fragile, socially liminal and culturally dispossessed woman.

• Webster takes care to convey that even Delio has clearly noted the Duchess’ intelligence and control within the relationship as he notes she was the one who ‘plotted’ the plan should she go into labour.
• Duchess has agency in the relationship

Answer 9

“DELIO: Have you prepared
Those ladies to attend her and procured
That politic safe conveyance for the midwife
Your Duchess plotted?