The Duchess of Malfi AO3

Question 1

What was unique about the Stratford, Swan Lake production of the Duchess of Malfi in 2018?

Answer 1

It opened with the actress playing the Duchess dragging an enormous bull carcass onto the stage

The carcass was physically heavy and later removed from the production.

Question 2

Why did the Royal Shakespeare Company order more blood for the Duchess of Malfi production than for any other?

Answer 2

To create a dramatic effect with the bull carcass, which bled out on stage

The stage was covered in blood by the end of the production.

Question 3

What does the bull carcass represent in the play?

Answer 3

The heavy weight of the patriarchy

The Duchess drags the weight of patriarchal authority with her.

Question 4

What role does being a widow play for women in the 16th century, according to the speaker?

Answer 4

It surprisingly provided independence and financial stability

Widows could own property and were often considered their own mistresses.

Question 5

How does the Duchess of Malfi relate to Queen Elizabeth?

Answer 5

The Duchess resembles Queen Elizabeth through her powerful status and the motto ‘Semper Eadem’ - serves as a parallel to the Duchess’s famous line ‘I am Duchess of Malfi still.’

The Duchess’s line, ‘I am Duchess of Malfi still,’ parallels Elizabeth’s identity.

Question 6

Who is Lady Arbella Stuart, and how does she connect to the Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 6

She was a cousin of King James I who secretly married and was imprisoned

Her situation parallels the Duchess’s defiance against societal constraints.

Question 7

What happened to Lady Arbella Stuart after her secret marriage?

Answer 7

She was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London, where she starved herself to death - parallels the duchess’s narrative

This reflects the Duchess’s own statement about fasting.

Question 8

What historical figure does the Duchess of Malfi remind the audience of regarding tombs?

Answer 8

Mary Queen of Scots - she also had a son and possibly two twins

King James I built a new tomb for her, which was significant at the time.

Question 9

What is the emotional center of the play, according to the speaker?

Answer 9

The Duchess

Audiences are expected to sympathize with her despite her transgressions.

Question 10

What is a major theme in the Duchess of Malfi regarding women?

Answer 10

The play explores the limitations imposed by patriarchy and the consequences of defiance

The Duchess’s actions challenge the expectations of women in her time.

Question 11

Which other Shakespearean play does the Duchess of Malfi connect to?

Answer 11

Hamlet

Both plays feature women haunted by apparitions and themes of memory.

Question 12

What is a recurring symbol in the Duchess of Malfi that relates to women’s memory?

Answer 12

Tombs

The play discusses how women are remembered through tomb figures.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: The Duchess of Malfi is haunted by the ________ Tale.

Answer 13

Winter’s

This play also deals with themes of statues and memory.

Question 14

How does the Duchess of Malfi invite the audience to engage with its themes?

Answer 14

By relating the story of the Duchess to the experiences of real royal women

This encourages the audience to respond personally to the narrative.

Question 15

What is the primary literary device that Webster is known for in The Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 15

Sententiae

Sententiae translates to ‘sentences’ and refers to the concise sayings or maxims used by characters in the play.

Question 16

What famous sententiae is quoted in the text?

Answer 16

‘Glories, like glow-worms, afar off shine bright, but looked to near have neither heat nor light.’

Question 17

What do the sententiae represent in The Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 17

Received wisdom of the culture

They reflect the societal views and truths that characters have encountered rather than personal thoughts.

Question 18

True or False: The sententiae in the play represent the personal voice of the characters.

Answer 18

False

Question 19

What natural motifs are frequently referenced in The Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 19

Birds and fish

These motifs are used in metaphors and fables that relate to the characters’ situations.

Question 20

What is a significant recurring image throughout The Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 20

Glass

The image of glass is used to convey various themes, including reflection and perception.

Question 21

How does the Duchess relate glass to her situation?

Answer 21

She uses it as a metaphor for her life and circumstances e.g. ‘glass house’ - can be related to meatheatre?

For instance, Bosola compares pregnancy to blowing up a glass.

Question 22

What does the glass symbolize in the context of the play?

Answer 22

Reflection of identity and society

The glass serves as a mirror, reflecting not just the characters but also their societal contexts.

Question 23

What is the significance of the madmen scene in The Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 23

It contributes to the imagery and invites deeper examination of the play’s themes

The scene, while seemingly unrelated, serves to reflect on the play itself.

Question 24

What ritual does the madmen scene remind the audience of?

Answer 24

Charivari

A charivari is a community ritual to mock inappropriate marriages, similar to the ridicule faced by the Duchess.

Question 25

What does the term 'charivari' refer to?

Answer 25

A ritual to greet inappropriate marriages - almost serves as a bad wedding present from Ferdinand - antimasque ## Footnote It often involves parading individuals through town to mock them.

Question 26

Who are the two artists mentioned in relation to the themes of art and reality in the play?

Answer 26

Vincentio Lauriola and Michelangelo

Question 27

What does Michelangelo represent in the context of The Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 27

Convincing representation of reality ## Footnote His art invites viewers to experience a sense of realism, contrasting with the play's dreamlike quality.

Question 28

What is the overall narrative style of The Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 28

Dreamlike and Gothic ## Footnote The play conveys profound psychological truths through elaborate imagery rather than surface realism.

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The Duchess of Malfi explores themes of identity and society through the use of _______.

Answer 29

Imagery

Question 30

What does the play suggest about the nature of reality?

Answer 30

It has a deeper reality beyond mere conventional storytelling ## Footnote The play's imagery creates a complex narrative that resonates on psychological levels.

Question 31

How does the play's imagery affect the audience's understanding?

Answer 31

It challenges perceptions and invites reflection on deeper meanings ## Footnote The interplay of images creates a layered experience for the audience.

Question 32

What tension is explored in relation to religion in The Duchess of Malfi?

Answer 32

The tension between the Italian setting and English resonances, particularly regarding post-reformation England's view on religion. ## Footnote This tension suggests that the religious themes may not fully apply to Italy but resonate more with English audiences.

Question 33

How does The Duchess of Malfi treat the concept of an afterlife?

Answer 33

The play takes religion seriously while also dismissing it, never confirming an afterlife but repeatedly hinting at it. ## Footnote The Duchess's death early in the play raises questions about her presence after her demise.

Question 34

In which act does the Duchess die?

Answer 34

Act four. ## Footnote This is notable as most main characters in Renaissance plays typically die in act five.

Question 35

What unusual narrative device is used after the Duchess's death?

Answer 35

An echo that resembles the Duchess's voice, suggesting her lingering presence. ## Footnote This echo introduces ambiguity about her afterlife and existence.

Question 36

What does the Duchess's pilgrimage to Lareto symbolize?

Answer 36

Her attempt to escape Malfi while also questioning the authenticity of her religious devotion. ## Footnote Lareto is associated with the Virgin Mary, adding complexity to her character.

Question 37

What is the significance of the Duchess's marriage to Antonio?

Answer 37

Their marriage reflects the complexities of marriage laws in Renaissance England, as they marry without church involvement. ## Footnote The play illustrates that marriage could occur simply through verbal agreement without formal ceremonies.

Question 38

What phrase does the Duchess use to express her view on church authority?

Answer 38

She asks, 'What can the church force more,' implying a rejection of its authority. ## Footnote This reflects her complicated relationship with religion and the church.

Question 39

What does the character Ferdinand represent in relation to the church?

Answer 39

Ferdinand's character embodies a corrupt and powerful church figure who opposes the Duchess and Antonio's marriage. ## Footnote His failure to be elected pope indicates his moral shortcomings.

Question 40

What does the Cardinal's reflection in the fish pond symbolize?

Answer 40

It symbolizes his internal conflict and uncertainty regarding hell and his religious identity. ## Footnote The image of the 'thing armed with a rake' reflects both a potential devil and the ambiguity of his faith.

Question 41

True or False: The Duchess of Malfi provides a clear ghostly presence.

Answer 41

False. ## Footnote The play hints at an afterlife but does not confirm the presence of a ghost.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: The Duchess and Antonio's marriage is an example of _______.

Answer 42

marriage per verba da praesenti. ## Footnote This type of marriage requires only verbal consent from both parties.

Question 43

How does the play reflect Gothic themes?

Answer 43

It includes elements like questionable religious authority and sinister church figures, aligning with Gothic conventions. ## Footnote The play's ambiguity about religion contributes to its Gothic atmosphere.

Question 44

What does the phrase 'we are the stars' tennis balls' suggest?

Answer 44

It suggests an impersonal force controlling human destiny, possibly hinting at astrology rather than a benevolent God. ## Footnote This reflects the play's existential themes and unease about divine oversight.