Reputation and Morality textual quotes

Question 1

The Duchess’s epithet

Answer 1

‘Farewell, lusty widow!’

Question 2

Ferdinand quotes on the Duchess after finding out about her remarriage

Answer 2

‘Grown a notorious strumpet’ Act 2 Scene 5

‘Shall our blood – The royal blood of Aragon and Castile – Be thus attainted?’ Act 2 Scene 5

‘Tis not your whore’s milk that shall quench my wild-fire, but your whore’s blood.’ Act 2 Scene 5

Question 3

Contrast in society’s perception of the Duchess

Answer 3

‘There speaketh so divine a countenance as cuts off all lascivious and vain hope’ Act 1 Scene 2

‘The common rabble to directly say she is a strumpet’ Antonio Act 3 Scene 1

Question 4

The Duchess’s rejection of her idealised reputation

Answer 4

‘This is flesh and blood, sir. / ‘Tis not the figure cut in alabaster / Kneels at my husband’s tomb’

‘Why should only I, / of all the other princes in the world, / be cased up like a holy relic?’

Question 5

Bosola on the Duchess’s stoicism

Answer 5

‘You may discern the shape of loveliness / More perfect in her tears than in her smiles’ Bosola Act 4 Scene 1

Question 6

The Duchess’s stoicism and virtue in the face of death

Answer 6

‘I am Duchess of Malfi still’ and ‘Mercy!’ – The Duchess become an idealised model of perfection

Question 7

Ferdinand’s response to the Duchess’s death

Answer 7

“Cover her face. Mine eyes dazzle! She died so young.’ Ferdinand

The Duchess regains her reputation as divine model of perfection and innocence after her death.

Question 8

Delio’s final speech

Answer 8

“Let us make noble use / Of this great ruin and join all but force / To establish this young hopeful gentleman / In’s mother’s right.’ Delio