"I am Duchess of Malfi still" (Duchess of Malfi - John Webster)

Name: MI9to5

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Product:	Duchess of Malfi - John Webster
Date:	06/05/08 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic Play

Disadvantages: Has some archaic language in it

The Duchess of Malfi is a Jacobean tragedy play written by John Webster. The play is initially a love story as the strong and independent widow, the Duchess, marries her steward Antonio Bologna. However this leads the play to a nightmarishly tragic end as when her actions are uncovered and the truth revealed her two brothers eager for revenge bring about the destruction of the Duchess, her household and ultimately themselves.

The characters within this drama have been cleverly conceived and their distinct personalities make them the sort of characters you will remember forever. The Duchess herself is so believable that it is quite easy at times to forget that she is merely a figment of your imagination and neither her nor the rest of the cleverly constructed cast exist.

The play itself is a masterpiece as the emotional roller coaster of a tale is told with precision, accuracy but more importantly an emotion that pulls the reader into the unfolding drama. As you read, you'll remember for a long time. From the Duchess's strong and heart-rending "For know, whether I am doomed to live, or die, I can do both like a prince." to the Cardinal's feeble "Thou hast hurt me."

Upon reading you will be asked to question all you know about society and its structures, as the moral messages contained throughout are as relevant today as they were when the play was first performed.

There is no common interpretation of the play. It is up to you to decide what the play is trying to tell you.
Is it trying to promote Catholicism over Protestantism or was it subtly trying to undermine the Church all together?
Was Webster trying to promote female strength or highlight it's weaknesses, or was he simply trying to show the weaknesses of the human race?
Was the initial purpose of the play to introduce ideas of equality into society or was it trying to show that the pre-formed differences and life paths of the class structure are integral to society?

Whether you read the play script or go and see it performed the Duchess of Malfi is one drama that everyone should experience.

"Like Diamonds we are cut with our own dust." - Ferdinand

Summary: Brilliant play that is still relevant today!