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Antonio in The Duchess of Malfi - Coggle Diagram
Antonio in The Duchess of Malfi
Key Quotations
'Observe his inward character' 1.2.73
The humours. Moral rather than legal judgement.
'He should have been Pope, but, instead of coming to it by the primitive decency of the church, he did bestow bribes so largely and so impudently as if he would have carried it away without heaven's knowledge'
Influence/knowledge of the household from Antonio?
Protestant england
'Her very sleeps- are more in heaven than other ladies' shrifts'
Petrachen love poem, old fashioned. Averse form which dwelt upon the female beauty. Looking at Elizabeth ! instead of James I in it's nostalgic tone?
'In quality. he speaks with others tongues and hears mens suits'
Talking about the brothers Ferdinand and the Cardinal. Inceptive judgement of character, focusing on the serpentine aspects of Ferdinands temper, highlighted by Webster's extended use of sibilance.
'A prince's court is like a common fountain , whence should flow pure silver drops in general. But if't chance some cursed example poison't near the head, 'Death and disease through the whole land spread'
Contextual links
Strict archaic society.
The Great Chain of Being.
Links to Websters inherent, subversive aspect of the play where we see the championing of personal merit vs hereditary privilege.
Admiration for the french court from the offset, we see Antonio's steadfast moral attitude.
'quits first his royal palace of flattering sycophants, of dissolute and infamous persons'
Contrast to court in England.
Relationships with other characters
Acts as a foil to Ferdinand in some aspects.
Friends/ acquaintances with Delio and many of the other characters.
Realises his inferiority to his seniors. He is mostly obedient.
We see an immediate admiration of his for the Duchess.
How he is presented
Somewhat naive/ vulnerable due to his optimism in a largely dark play.
He is likeable from virtually everyone's viewpoint, especially with his initial communications with the audience.
Intellectual and empathetic.