DUCHESS OF MALFI’S CONTEXT
, English Renaissance (15th century to 17th century)
- some have contended that the “English Renaissance” has no real tie with the artistic
achievements and aims of the Italian artists
- The tradition of literature in the English language mainly began with the Protestant
Reformation
- During the Reformation, it was believed that people should be able to interpret the Bible for
themselves rather than accepting the Catholic Church’s interpretation of the Latin version.
- With the Renaissance came the emphasis on humanism and individuality.
- Writers also started to satirize (ridicule) existing institutions such as the Church, and their
works became secular
- The English Renaissance saw the emergence of notable figures such as William Shakespeare
and Christopher Marlowe.
- During the early Renaissance the rhetorical intensity of Seneca had degenerated.
In part, Webster’s interest could be rooted in the fact that the playwrights of the English
Renaissance frequently used foreign settings in their plays, and Italy was often the setting of
choice for dramatists interested in portraying corruption
Modern Audience
John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfa continues to resonate among modern audiences
because of the Duchess’s enterprising attempt at denying the authority of social conventions
and norms over her will to choose a spouse for love
Real Life Accounts
Cardinal Lodovico and Duke Carlo are the older brothers of the historical Duchess, Giovanna
d’Aragona. She was married to Alfonso Piccolomini at the age of twelve in 1490 through an arranged
marriage facilitated by her family. By 1498, she was widowed, and she governed the duchy for her son –
also named Alfonso – until she disappeared in 1513 after secretly marrying Antonio Bologna – the
former master of her household. The historical record confirms that the play’s inter-class marriage
between Antonio and the Duchess is an accurate portrayal and that Webster’s account of their deaths is
something like what befell their prototypes
, English Renaissance (15th century to 17th century)
- some have contended that the “English Renaissance” has no real tie with the artistic
achievements and aims of the Italian artists
- The tradition of literature in the English language mainly began with the Protestant
Reformation
- During the Reformation, it was believed that people should be able to interpret the Bible for
themselves rather than accepting the Catholic Church’s interpretation of the Latin version.
- With the Renaissance came the emphasis on humanism and individuality.
- Writers also started to satirize (ridicule) existing institutions such as the Church, and their
works became secular
- The English Renaissance saw the emergence of notable figures such as William Shakespeare
and Christopher Marlowe.
- During the early Renaissance the rhetorical intensity of Seneca had degenerated.
In part, Webster’s interest could be rooted in the fact that the playwrights of the English
Renaissance frequently used foreign settings in their plays, and Italy was often the setting of
choice for dramatists interested in portraying corruption
Modern Audience
John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfa continues to resonate among modern audiences
because of the Duchess’s enterprising attempt at denying the authority of social conventions
and norms over her will to choose a spouse for love
Real Life Accounts
Cardinal Lodovico and Duke Carlo are the older brothers of the historical Duchess, Giovanna
d’Aragona. She was married to Alfonso Piccolomini at the age of twelve in 1490 through an arranged
marriage facilitated by her family. By 1498, she was widowed, and she governed the duchy for her son –
also named Alfonso – until she disappeared in 1513 after secretly marrying Antonio Bologna – the
former master of her household. The historical record confirms that the play’s inter-class marriage
between Antonio and the Duchess is an accurate portrayal and that Webster’s account of their deaths is
something like what befell their prototypes
