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Flashcards in Duchess of Malfi Context Deck (13)
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1
Q

Webster did various collaborations as well as individual works.. give an example…

A

Most famously with Thomas Dekker, his main collaborator, he wrote Westward Ho and Northward Ho which were both published-1607. – Battle for public favour.

2
Q

As a child he went to see the play…

A

Titus Andronicus and loved the gore so he was inspired to write his own. – “I like it when they cut their heads off”

3
Q

where did his legal knowledge come from?

A

He went to Middle Temple in 1598 for legal training. Which explains his knowledge of the legal world.

4
Q

Name the other famous play Webster wrote?

A

“The white devil” 1612 also a tragedy of action based on true events whereas duchess of Malfi is a tragedy of suffering.

5
Q

being a Revenge/renaissance tragedy – macabre (disturbing)…

A

it reflects Webster’s mind

6
Q

Renaissance-new breed of playwright- his plays reveal…

A

Harsh truths about society- class divide, incest, love and lust etc

7
Q

Popular genre at the time because…

A

Audiences at that time loves watching gory violence filled plays… and it gave writers a chance to redress wrongs ignored by courts through theatre.

8
Q

Jacobean court…

A

Dominated by a small number of aristocrats- James 1st court was particularly corrupt- Webster wants us to question the morals of the court

9
Q

Similar plays…

A

“Spanish tragedy” Thomas Kyd (1587) – violent murders and theme of revenge.
“It’s a pity she’s a hore” John Ford (1630) –includes incest…
“A crystal glass for Christian women”- Philip stubbes (1591)- women challenging patriarchy

10
Q

play within a play…

A

dumb show …confused the audience, keeps them engaged

11
Q

Based on real tragedy of…

A

Giovanna d’Aragona who married Antonio Becadelli.

12
Q

And the plot is also from…

A

“Palace of pleasure” by William Painter

13
Q

Duchess married below her class- (Marxist…)

A

Normally in those days widows didn’t remarry and the fact Antonio was below her class- This could explain why they are both punished - because of their actions being so immoral…