Responsible For The Duchesses Downfall example essay topic

The Duchess of Malfi is a revenge tragedy written in 1614. Both Webster's masterpieces 'The White Devil and 'The Duchess of Malfi' are based on stories of Italian women who fail to conform to society's perceptions. The play deals with corruption, attitudes towards women and revenge. The Duchess is portrayed to the reader as a stereotypical widow of a patriarchal society. At the time women were seen as weak and frail and so it suggests that the brothers were responsible for the Duchesses downfall however Webster portrays the Duchess as strong and wilful yet also a tragic victim of psychopathic cruelty. Therefore it suggests that both critics are right depending on how they perceive the play.

In my opinion I believe that the brothers are mainly responsible for her the Duchesses downfall, nonetheless the Duchess does also play a part; as a result it is a combination of both. The marriage of the Duchess and Antonio make the Duchess seem very naive and childlike. The secret marriage is not seen as something of sexual desire and lust but for companionship 'tis not a figure cut in alabaster to kneel at my husbands tomb' Even at this point the Duchess comes across as strong, and longing for love and affection. Yet this secret marriage brings about the downfall of the Duchess, therefore it seems that Richard David is right in saying that the downfall of the Duchess is entirely her fault. The childlike innocence seen in the Duchess can also be seen when the Duchess says to Antonio 'time will easily scatter the tempest' this naivety shows that the Duchess believes that her brothers will give in. Webster therefore gives the audience an ultimatum whether we are meant to pity the Duchess or admire her.

This is shown through Car iola her servant 'whether the spirit of greatness or of women reign most in her, I know not, but it shows a fearful madness. I owe her much of pity'. The Duchess also shows her naivety by telling the malcontent Bosola her secret that Antonio is her husband 'this good one that you speak of is my husband' this is the ultimate factor in her demise. Therefore I do agree that the Duchess does contribute to her own downfall, however it is also apparent that this is done with the help of her brothers. Webster makes the Duchess very strong and so from very beginning it is clear that she has a mind of her own 'Wish me good speed, for I am going into the wilderness, where I shall find nor path, nor friendly clew to be my guide' this line suggests that the Duchess knows that although her brothers have forbidden her to remarry she goes against their wishes anyway. Therefore it suggests that the Duchess contributes to her own downfall in doing so.

From the very commencement of the play it is noticeable that Webster makes the brothers villains 'He and his brother are like plum trees that grow crooked over standing pools' Webster creates the effect of corruption through this simile, the audience is required to dislike these characters, this is made clear through other characters views on them. Ferdinand's desire to control his sisters sexuality is very obvious from the very beginning 'My imagination will carry me to see her in the shameful act of sin' this line suggests that the brothers control stops the Duchess from living her life and so we see right away that the Duchess is unable to live as she wishes Likewise the Cardinals anger lies in the fact the Duchess has purges the family blood ' to purge infected blood' yet this is quite ironic as The Cardinal not only a highly respected member of the church but he is also indulges in a relationship with Julia. Webster clearly shows the corruption of the church at the time it was written. The brothers appoint Bosola the intelligencer, Webster does this to show that they do not trust the Duchess and also that the brothers have control over her actions 'I give you that to live I'th court here and observe the Duchess' As a consequence this brings the Duchess to her knees therefore agreeing with Fredrick Allen's statement.

Bosola comment on the Cardinals abuse of power has a great impact on the audience with his negative opinions 'The law to him is like a foul black cobweb to a spider, he makes it his dwelling' this point of view from the malcontent shows that the two brothers are entirely evil, giving the reader a reason to dislike them. Ferdinand's torture of the Duchess whilst she is imprisoned is much like a predator toying with its pray before killing it. Ferdinand gives the Duchess a dead mans hand and shows the Duchess an array of dead bodies, which are meant to be her children and husband. This monstrosity on the Duchesses feelings portrays Ferdinand as being a ferocious animal and also brings the Duchess to ruins. Ferdinand also torments the Duchess with madmen to send the Duchess insane with their mindless chatter 'Hell is a mere glass-house, where the devils are continually blowing up women's souls on hollow irons' Webster wants the audience to feel sorry for the Duchess yet ask themselves whether or not she has afflicted it upon herself.

I think Webster portrays Ferdinand as enjoying watching the Duchess suffer and 'bring her to despair'. A Jacobean audience would have greatly enjoyed watching the Duchess suffer, as Ferdinand is sadistic and enjoys seeing her in emotional pain. Therefore in conclusion it is clear that the Duchess contributes to her own downfall a long with the help of her brothers therefore suggesting both critics are right. The Duchess Of Malfi combines one of the most threatening forms of domestic female power, widowhood. Despite the Duchess clear legal power she cannot escape from her brothers.