The Duchess of Malfi Overview

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What did Bosola plan to give the Duchess to induce labor?

Peaches

Apricots (correct)

Plums

Cherries

What did Antonio drop that provided Bosola with concrete evidence of the Duchess's child?

A map

A love letter

A horoscope for a baby (correct)

An invitation

How did Ferdinand react when he found out the Duchess had disobeyed him?

He laughed

He forgave her immediately

He became furious (correct)

He was indifferent

What did Ferdinand give the Duchess and suggest she do in her bedchamber?

A knife to kill herself Signup and view all the answers

What did Ferdinand do to convince the Duchess that her children were dead?

He played a trick with silhouettes Signup and view all the answers

Who ultimately orders the execution of the Duchess, her children, and Cariola?

Ferdinand Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason the Duchess's brothers do not want her to remarry?

To preserve their honor and ensure her ongoing sexual purity Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bosola reluctantly agree to spy on the Duchess for Duke Ferdinand?

He feels it is his duty to obey the duke Signup and view all the answers

How does Antonio describe the Duchess in his private conversation with Delio?

Noble, temperate, beautiful, and intelligent Signup and view all the answers

What is Bosola's former relationship with the Cardinal?

Murderer and former employee Signup and view all the answers

Who enters with his whole retinue soon after Antonio returns from the French court?

Ferdinand, the Duchess's brother Signup and view all the answers

Why do English audiences associate Roman Catholic Italy in the play with corruption?

Due to historical perceptions at that time Signup and view all the answers

Who does Ferdinand blame for following his orders and not being paid for his work?

Bosola Signup and view all the answers

What disease is Ferdinand diagnosed with that causes him to act like a madman?

Lycanthropia Signup and view all the answers

Who does the Cardinal instruct Bosola to murder?

Antonio Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Julia after confronting the Cardinal about his secret?

She kisses a poisoned book and dies. Signup and view all the answers

How does Bosola trick the Cardinal after revealing the murder and confession?

He decides to save Antonio and get revenge on the brothers. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Antonio go to the Cardinal’s palace in darkness?

To end his quarrel with the Cardinal. Signup and view all the answers

What causes Ferdinand to mistakenly stab both the Cardinal and Bosola?

Mistaking them for each other in a chaotic situation. Signup and view all the answers

What stereotype is associated with Roman Catholic Italy in The Duchess of Malfi?

Sophisticated corruption Signup and view all the answers

How does the French king in the play attempt to bring order to his state?

By getting rid of all flatterers and infamous persons Signup and view all the answers

What theme is explored through the Cardinal's illicit relationship with Julia?

Subjugation of women by men Signup and view all the answers

How does Webster intensify the level of horror in The Duchess of Malfi?

By depicting gruesome deaths and tortures Signup and view all the answers

In The Duchess of Malfi, what is a prominent recurring element among the main characters?

Guilt, death, and suffering Signup and view all the answers

What sin primarily drives the tragic forces in 'The Duchess of Malfi'?

Greed for her fortune and pride in noble blood Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Duchess's marriage to Antonio considered remarkable?

He is of lower social class Signup and view all the answers

What does Ferdinand exhibit towards his sister, the Duchess, that is considered a glaring sin?

Incestuous desire Signup and view all the answers

Why does Antonio take care not to appear too ambitious during courtship with the Duchess?

To avoid being seen as dangerous due to his lower class Signup and view all the answers

What character trait distinguishes the Duchess in her handling of death?

Fearlessness Signup and view all the answers

Who is the witty and virtuous ruler of the Italian town of Amalfi in 'The Duchess of Malfi'?

The Duchess Signup and view all the answers

Which character in 'The Duchess of Malfi' is both religious and immoral like his brother Duke Ferdinand?

The Cardinal Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Duchess of Malfi', who is the steward of the Duchess's estate and considered a 'complete' man by her?

Antonio Bologna Signup and view all the answers

Who is appointed as a spy by Duke Ferdinand in 'The Duchess of Malfi'?

Daniel de Bosola Signup and view all the answers

Which character has pride and greed as motivations for not wanting his widowed sister to remarry in 'The Duchess of Malfi'?

Ferdinand, Duke of Calabria Signup and view all the answers

Who becomes enamored with Bosola near the end of the play?

Julia Signup and view all the answers

Which character in the play is a soldier and courtier in Ferdinand's court?

Count Malateste Signup and view all the answers

Who works for Ferdinand and carries out the murders of the Duchess, her children, and Cariola?

Executioners Signup and view all the answers

Which character is diagnosed with the disease Lycanthropia by the Doctor?

Castruccio Signup and view all the answers

Who is loyal to the Duchess throughout the play and dies for it?

Cariola Signup and view all the answers

What does poison symbolize in 'The Duchess of Malfi'?

Corruption and betrayal Signup and view all the answers

In the play, what do disfigurement and disease represent according to Bosola?

Perversion and animalization of humanity Signup and view all the answers

What does blood symbolize primarily in 'The Duchess of Malfi'?

Violence Signup and view all the answers

Who introduces the symbol of poison in the play's opening, making a political analogy about the ideal government?