Quotes on Women

Question 1

The Duchess’ powerful declaration of identity, resilience, and defiance. Despite being imprisoned, tortured, and stripped of her titles and freedom, the Duchess asserts her unwavering sense of self.

Answer 1

“I am Duchess of Malfi still”

Question 2

Adam reminding Eve of her subordination to him:

Answer 2

“Rather than solid virtue, all but a rib”

Question 3

The Duchess asserts traditionally masculine qualities of strength and leadership, challenging gender norms, which was controversial at the time. (reflective of elizabeth I)

Answer 3

“Whether I am doomed to live or die, / I can do both like a prince.”

Question 4

This quote shows women’s eternal subordination to men, which is ultimately determined by higher powers

Answer 4

“He for God only, she for God in him.”

Question 5

This quote explicitly separates men and women into rational (intelligence) and emotional (emotional) beings

Men = rational
women = emotional

Answer 5

“For contemplation he and valor formed, / For softness she and sweet attractive grace.”

Question 6

Adam calls Eve a ‘…’ which questions whether women should have even been part of God’s plan in the first place, suggesting they are problematic and a haphazard.

Answer 6

“‘fair defect of nature”

Question 7

The duchess on the unfair, tragic state of womanhood in the jacobean era

Answer 7

“As the tanned galley slave is with his oar - Necessity makes me suffer constantly”

Question 8

The duchess connotes to women being trapped in society, and makes a reference to the tragic Greek myth of Philomela, who gets abused by her husband and transformed into a nightingale.

Answer 8

“The nightingale never live long in cages”