The Duchess of Malfi

Question 1

The Duchess about Heaven (IV, 2)

Answer 1

Heaven-gates are not so highly arched
As princes’ palaces; they that enter there
Must go upon their knees.

Question 2

Bosola to the Cardinal about justice and the murder of the Duchess (V, 5)

Answer 2

… when thou killed’st thy sister,
Thou took’st from Justice her most equal balance,
And left her naught but her sword.

Question 3

Antonio about the body politic (I, 1)

Answer 3

… but if’t chance,
Some cursed example poison’t near the head,
Death and diseases through the whole land spread.

Question 4

Antonio about Ferdinand and appearances (I, 1)

Answer 4

What appears in him mirth is merely outside.

Question 5

The Duchess about her brothers (IV, 1) and the world they live in

Answer 5

I account this world a tedious theater,

For I do play a part in’t ‘gainst my will.

Question 6

Cariola about the Duchess and appearances (IV, 2)

Answer 6

A deal of life in show, but none in practice.

Question 7

The Doctor about Ferdinand and appearances (V, 2)

Answer 7

Said he was a wolf – only the difference
Was, a wolf’s skin was hairy on the outside,
His on the inside.

Question 8

Bosola about the Devil (II, 2)

Answer 8

Sometimes the Devil doth preach.

Question 9

The Duchess (IV, 1): the world is upside down

Answer 9

I’ll go pray - no,

I’ll go curse.

Question 10

Antonio’s memento mori (V, 4)

Answer 10

In all our quest of greatness,
Like wanton boys, whose pastime is their care,
We follow after bubbles blown in th’air.

Question 11

Ferdinand’s last words (V, 5)

Answer 11

Whether we fall by ambition, blood or lust,

Like diamonds, we are cut with our own dust.

Question 12

Delio (V, 5), last words of the play

Answer 12

Integrity of life is fame’s best friend,

Which nobly, beyond death, shall crown the end.

Question 13

Bosola about the brothers (IV, 2)

Answer 13

You have a pair of hearts are hollow graves,

Rotten, and rotting others.