Jacobean Drama: The Duchess of Malfi

Study Notes

The Duchess of Malfi is a Jacobean revenge tragedy, written by John Webster in 1612-1613
Characteristics of Jacobean drama:
- Emphasis on darkness, violence, and corruption
- Use of complex, intricate plots
- Exploration of moral ambiguity and decay
- Often features a sense of claustrophobia and entrapment

Webster's writing style is known for its:
- Rich, poetic imagery
- Use of metaphor, symbolism, and allegory
- Complex, dense language
- Exploration of the darker aspects of human nature
Examples of Webster's linguistic innovations:
- Use of oxymorons (e.g. "merry mourning")
- Employment of paradox and irony
- Creation of vivid, unsettling imagery

The Duchess of Malfi can be seen as a feminist text due to its:
- Exploration of the limited options and agency available to women in a patriarchal society
- Portrayal of the Duchess as a strong, independent female character
- Critique of the societal expectations placed on women, particularly in terms of marriage and childbirth
However, the play also reinforces some patriarchal attitudes, such as:
- The objectification of women's bodies
- The use of feminine stereotypes (e.g. the Duchess's "weakness" and "emotionalism")

The Duchess of Malfi can be seen as a tragedy, with the Duchess as the tragic hero
Characteristics of tragic heroism in the play:
- The Duchess's downfall is caused by her own actions, rather than fate or circumstance
- Her tragic flaws include her pride, passion, and naivety
- The play explores the consequences of her actions, leading to a sense of tragic inevitability
The Duchess's tragic heroism is also influenced by her gender, as she operates within a patriarchal society that restricts her agency and options

The play is set in Italy during the Renaissance, a time of cultural and artistic flourishing
The Italian setting allows Webster to explore themes of:
- Decadence and corruption
- The tension between old and new values
- The rise of individualism and the decline of traditional authority
The use of an Italian setting also allows Webster to create a sense of exoticism and otherness, which adds to the play's sense of drama and intrigue

The Duchess of Malfi is a Jacobean revenge tragedy, written by John Webster in 1612-1613
Characteristics of Jacobean drama include:
Emphasis on darkness, violence, and corruption
Complex, intricate plots
Exploration of moral ambiguity and decay
Sense of claustrophobia and entrapment

The Duchess of Malfi can be seen as a feminist text due to its:
Exploration of the limited options and agency available to women in a patriarchal society
Portrayal of the Duchess as a strong, independent female character
Critique of societal expectations placed on women, particularly in terms of marriage and childbirth
However, the play also reinforces some patriarchal attitudes, including:
Objectification of women's bodies
Use of feminine stereotypes (e.g. the Duchess's "weakness" and "emotionalism")

The Duchess of Malfi can be seen as a tragedy, with the Duchess as the tragic hero
Characteristics of tragic heroism in the play include:
The Duchess's downfall is caused by her own actions, rather than fate or circumstance
Her tragic flaws include pride, passion, and naivety
The play explores the consequences of her actions, leading to a sense of tragic inevitability
The Duchess's tragic heroism is also influenced by her gender, as she operates within a patriarchal society that restricts her agency and options

The play is set in Italy during the Renaissance, a time of cultural and artistic flourishing
The Italian setting allows Webster to explore themes of:
Decadence and corruption
Tension between old and new values
Rise of individualism and decline of traditional authority
The use of an Italian setting also creates a sense of exoticism and otherness, adding to the play's sense of drama and intrigue