Reason

Question 1

‘For what can I increase/ or multiply, but curses on my head’

Answer 1

Adam gains a deeper awareness of the consequences of the fall

Question 2

‘O voice once heard / Delightfully, Increase and multiply, / Now death to hear!’

Answer 2

highlights Adam’s recognition of how his and Eve’s sins have ruined their relationship with God.

Question 3

‘Oh sacred innocence that sweetly sleeps / On turtles’ feathers, whilst a guilty conscience / Is a black register’

Answer 3

Bosola reveals in his soliloquy in Act 4 Scene 2 that he feels repentant

Question 4

‘a wretch hath slain his father’

Answer 4

Imminently after the Duchess’ death, Bosola begins to feel a great sense of regret.

Question 5

AO4

Answer 5

Anagnorisis forms a vital part of revelation in tragedies, and both Bosola and Adam, among other characters, experience it. Tragically, both characters only experience revelations once it is too late, as for Bosola the Duchess is now dead, and Adam has already committed his sin.

Question 6

A04

Answer 6

In the same way that Adam realises his sin has destroyed the once harmonious relationship he had with God, Bosola’s guilt towards the murder of the Duchess shows his understanding of how he will be punished by a higher divine power.

Question 7

AO4

Answer 7

The corrupt relationship between Adam and God and the grievous murder of the Duchess mirror the scandal which surrounded the court which existed when both pieces were written.

Question 8

AO3

Answer 8

After England had experienced a period of Republicanism, Milton realised that a lack of earthly ruler allowed man to demonstrate obedience to God and deepen his relationship with him, which was jeopardised when Charles obtained the throne.

Question 9

‘Into her heart too easy entrance won’

Answer 9

Although Eve knows that she obtains reason, she is unaware that it is compromised so readily with the slightest temptation from the serpent. This could be Milton’s attempt to imply that women are so weak

Question 10

‘Lusty widow’

Answer 10

The Duchess’ reason is illustrated as being greatly contaminated by her lustfulness as she lives up to her depiction of the stereotype

Question 11

‘I’ll never marry’ and cariola ‘So most widows say, / But commonly that motion lasts no longer’

Answer 11

It is evident that Ferdinand believes she has been so warped by her lustfulness that she is unable to say anything with any true or factual meaning.

Question 12

AO3

Answer 12

The weakness of both significant female characters portrayed through the easy manipulation of their reason, could be said to be a mirror of the weak perception of Queen Elizabeth I. Many people argued that she was an illegitimate Queen, lacking an heir, and a particularly poor ruler due to being a woman.

Question 13

AO5

Answer 13

Jankowski, 1990 argues that ‘by not challenging the Renaissance discourse of woman, the Duchess effectively allows herself to be read as a whore’, which is reiterated through her portrayal of being a lusty widow, whose reason is manipulated.

Question 14

‘Let us divide our labours, thou where choice / Leads thee, or where most needs’

Answer 14

Eve’s suggestion to work away from Adam in order to split their work results in her temptation by the serpent. She reasons to Adam in Book 9 Line 214

Question 15

‘Safest and seemliest by her husband stays’

Answer 15

Patriarchal views of Adams reason

Question 16

‘Diamonds are of most value /they say, that have passed through the most jewellers’ Ferdinand response, ‘whores, by that rule, are precious’

Answer 16

Despite demonstrating her intelligence, ultimately it’s the duchess’ decision to remarry which results in her death. Reinforced superiority of masculine reason

Question 17

AO4

Answer 17

In both Paradise Lost and the Duchess of Malfi, Eve and the Duchess show that they are prepared to voice their opinions, yet they do so at a cost. Their male counterparts mock them for expressing their views and ultimately both pieces end tragically with the men being correct in their opposing views to the women

Question 18

AO3 +4

Answer 18

Both written during the 17th century, society dominated by patriarchy evident in Adams strong resistance for eve leaving, and Duchess in which cardinal and Ferdinand are adamant that they know what’s best for their sister

Question 19

AO5

Answer 19

Hamilton- 2993 describes the duchess as ‘lacking that commanding force of personality which is indispensable, for someone forced to wage a war against conventional prejudices’ (disagree)