From your readings of Acts 1-3 (inclusive) show how Webster presents the play as set in a paternalistic world.

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K. Eagan

From your readings of Acts 1-3 (inclusive) show how Webster presents the play as set in a paternalistic world.

        In “The Duchess of Malfi”, Webster seems to present the play from a paternalistic perspective. The play is dominated by two central characters, the Cardinal and Ferdinand, who represent the religious and secular powers of the corrupted court. Throughout Acts 1-3, these central characters use their power to ruin their widowed sister, the Duchess. Although the Duchess attempts to break free from her brothers’ influence by marrying Antonio, their domination will destroy the Duchess’ power and reputation since she has abandoned her brothers’ wishes.

        Webster seems to portray the Duchess as a symbol of the Jacobean view of the roles of women. A widow, such as the Duchess, was considered to be an ‘ungoverned woman’, one who threatened the social normalities of the period. The Duchess is also portrayed in this way, because she ‘threatens’ the reputation of the court. Ferdinand fears that the Duchess will marry for pleasure, and warns his sister of the destructive nature of marrying for pleasure:

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                        “I’th’court,

There is a kind of honey-dew that’s deadly:

‘Twill poison your fame.”

Ferdinand also suggests that by marrying twice the Duchess will be seen as ‘luxurious’, suggesting that a second marriage is portrayed as wicked. The Duchess sees it differently; she compares a second marriage to diamonds:

“Diamonds are of most value

They say, that have pass’d through most jewellers’ hands.”

It is obvious that the Duchess disagrees with Ferdinand’s view of her reputation. This defiance will lead her to remarry, even though she tells her brothers ‘I’ll never marry’.

        The Duchess seems to confront ...

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