Marriage Themes in The Duchess of Malfi

Questions and Answers

What does the Duchess claim about marriage?

A contract in a chamber is absolute marriage

I'll never marry (correct)

I shall marry for your honor

Such weddings may more properly be executed than celebrated

What did Ferdinand say regarding marrying again?

They are most luxurious shall wed twice

The statement 'The marriage night is the entrance to some prison' suggests that marriage is viewed positively.

False

What does the merchant claim about his wife?

She is a shrew Signup and view all the answers

What does January say about single people?

Eh which hath no wyf, I hold him shent Signup and view all the answers

January's view of marriage includes the belief that wedlock is ______.

precious Signup and view all the answers

What does the Duchess imply by saying 'Use my ring to't'?

It has healing aspects Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'A wyf the fruit of his tresor' indicates a positive view of women.

False Signup and view all the answers

What reason does January give for getting married?

Bringing him 'bodily delit' Signup and view all the answers

What does the view of marriage from Justinus suggest?

She may be goddess mené and goddess whippe Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marriage - DOM

Duchess expresses skepticism about marriage: "I'll never marry," reflecting her defiance.
Old wives suggest that choosing a partner can be a whimsical act: "I winked and chose a husband."
Duchess uses blackmail to secure Antonio's love: "I vowed never to part with it but to my second husband."
Ferdinand critiques marriage celebrations: "Such weddings may more properly be executed than celebrated."
The Cardinal equates marriage night with imprisonment, diminishing its romantic potential: "The marriage night is the entrance to some prison."
Duchess is duplicitous about her intentions: "I shall marry for your honor."
Duchess implies a sexual healing aspect in her relationship with Antonio, referencing a ring: "Use my ring to't they say tis very sovereign."
Duchess comments on feeling restricted by Antonio's presence: "This goodly roof of yours is too lowly built."
Cardinal manipulates Julia by recalling how she was closely monitored when married: "When thou was't with thy husband thou was watched like a tame elephant."
Ferdinand shames Duchess for desiring another marriage: "They are most luxurious shall wed twice."
Duchess legitimizes her union with Antonio: "A contract in a chamber [...] is absolute marriage."
Duchess seeks independence and expresses youthful vitality: "Why should I be cased up like a holy relic?"
Duchess insists on public recognition of her marriage to Antonio: "We are now man and wife and tis the church that must but echo this."

Marriage - TMT

Merchant portrays his discontent in marriage: "I have a wyf, the worst that may be."
The merchant continues to complain, labeling his wife a "shrewe."
Merchant reflects traditional views on marriage as blissful: "Blissful lyf betwixe housebounde and wyf."
Marriage is depicted as an ideal state: "For wedlock is so easy and so clé ne that in this world it is a paradis."
Allusion to Adam and Eve suggests a paradisiacal yet treacherous nature of marriage: "He made him eve."
January criticizes bachelors, implying they are incomplete: "Bacheloris often have pêne and wo."
January shames single individuals, portraying them as desolate: "Eh which hath no wyf, I hold him shent."
Marriage regarded as precious, signifying its value: "Wedlock prescious."
January expresses gratitude for having a wife: "Thanken god that hath sent him a wyf."
Proposes that self-love should extend to loving one's wife: "If thou loves thyself, thou loves thy wyf."
Expectations of women's loyalty and submission highlighted: "Noon in this world that trotteth hool in all."
January desires a life filled with love and joy: "Lede his life in love and in solas."
January seeks physical satisfaction through marriage: "Bringing him 'bodily delit.'"
Justinus presents a dual perspective of women: "She may be goddess mène and goddess whippe."
January's longing for companionship illustrated: "For who can be so buxom as a wyf."
Women's value seen as a means to produce heirs: "She might engraden him an heir."
January's naive notion of marriage despite lack of experience: "Marriage honey sweete."
Irony found in his views as reality contradicts: "A man may do no sin with his wyf, he hurt himselven with his owne knyf."

Description

Explore the complex themes of marriage as expressed through the characters in The Duchess of Malfi. The Duchess's defiance, manipulation, and the critique of marriage illustrate the darker aspects of relationships and societal expectations. Delve into how these elements shape character motives and the play's overarching narrative.