The Duchess Of Malfi Key Terms

Question 1

Epizeuxius

Answer 1

Repeated clauses or phrases next to each other for dramatic effect

Question 2

Deus ex Machina

Answer 2

“Intervention of the Gods” when a plot hole is resolved conveniently

Question 3

Stichomythia

Answer 3

Back and forth dialogue between characters to create tension/sense of urgency

Question 4

Peripeteia

Answer 4

Significant reversal of fortune, for one of the main characters

Question 5

Denouement

Answer 5

Resolution of the plot

Question 6

Anagnorisis

Answer 6

Significant moment of recognition for one of the main characters

Question 7

Peripeteia + Anagnorisis

Answer 7

When the character loses everything, then realises their mistakes

Question 8

Iambic pentameter

Answer 8

10 beats per line, unstressed then stressed, alternating

Question 9

Blank verse

Answer 9

Verse with no rhyming, in iambic pentameter

Question 10

Soliloquy

Answer 10

Profound speech, directed towards the self, addressing key emotions

Question 11

Prose

Answer 11

Free flowing discourse

Question 12

Tragic hero

Answer 12

Fall from grace/high position, hamartia, external force which impacts them (ghost)

Question 13

Rhyming verse

Answer 13

Verse with any form of rhyme

Question 14

Rhyming couplets

Answer 14

Consecutive lines which rhyme at the end

Question 15

When do rhyming couplets generally occur?

Answer 15

At the end of a speech, containing the key takeaway for the audience

Question 16

Exposition

Answer 16

Key information relating to the plot/character which is revealed at the beginning of the text

Question 17

Hamartia

Answer 17

Fatal flaw

Question 18

Catharsis

Answer 18

Purging of emotion, which can occur for the character or the audience

Question 19

Meter

Answer 19

Rhythmic pattern of a text

Question 20

Hubris

Answer 20

Overwhelming pride or arrogance which leads to a fall/ demise

Question 21

Pun

Answer 21

Play on words, generally for comedic effect