duchess of malfi

THE DUCHESS OF MALFI

BY JOHN WEBSTER

ACT V- Scene 1

REALISTIC DELIO

Thinks Antonio’s hope of reconciliation as false.

Thinks Antonio’s letters of safety as devices to capture him( Antonio).{It shows lawless intrigue and paradox as well}

Delio- “For though they have sent their letters of safe conduct

For your repair to Milan, they appear

But nets to entrap you.”

LESSER KNOWLEDGE OF ANTONIO

Unaware of his property.

Deprivation of his livelihood by The Marquis of Pescara.

Suffering of innocent.

SHIFTING OF DELIO’S IDENTITY

Pretends to be fake petitioner.

Demands the Fort of Benedict from Pescara.

Paradox of Pescara: “It is neither appropriate for me to grant

nor appropriate for you to accept”

Above mentioned statement refers to the theme

of Machiavellian Man.

POWER PLAY

Pescara gives the property of the Fort of Benedict to Julia.

Julia brings recommendation letter signed by Cardinal.

Antonio’s Irony: people enrich themselves with property of a ruined man.

We here find Julia’s crude excitement, triumph of guilty.

TRICKERY/ JUSTICE

Delio questions to Pescara.

Pescara’s reason- “ It would not have been appropriate for me to have given property to a friend like Delio.”

Consequence: The illegal property goes back to serve the evil purpose for the satisfaction of Cardinal’s lust( toward Julia).

Pescara- “I am glad

This land, ta’ en from the owner by such wrong,

Returns again unto so foul an use

As salary for his lust.”

REVENGE/ GUILTY CONSCIOUSNESS

Antonio intends to visit Cardinal for reconciliation.

Antonio’s imagination: Cardinal might soften towards him.

Relief from the burden upon Antonio’s mind

Antonio- “ If it fail

Yet it shall rid me of this infamous calling

For better fall once than be ever falling.”

Delio’s assurance to be loyal to Antonio.