1. The tone of commercial plays, played in the paying theatres, seemed to
The play’s date is 1614.
The tone of commercial plays, played
in the paying theatres, seemed to
become increasingly dark as conflict began to surface during James’ reign.
Look at this painting by Caravaggio.
What do you notice and can you make a link to the themes of the play?
The Duchess of Malfi

2. Research Task: Research and present your findings digitally on the Court of James I.
James Villiers
Robert Carr
Anne of Denmark
King James I
Personalities? Atmosphere? Politics? Events? Pastimes? Opinion of the Court from elsewhere?

3. Act 1 – Scene 1 line 27 onwards Bosola - the malcontent
Antonio calls him the “court-gall”. A gall can be a sore or blister raised by a saddle. What therefore does Webster expect the audience to understand about this man? Why do we need an explanation like this? The malcontent is an archetypal character (generally male) who feels resentful and that has ambitions that have not been realised. They are usually a force for evil/misuse of power. In Shakespeare famous malcontents are Malvolio (Twelfth Night), Richard III and Iago (Othello).

4. Act 1 Scene 1
Bosola’s attitude to the Cardinal (the Duchess’s brother) seems bizarre. He has suffered in his service, yet appears to come back for more. Why?
He says that the Cardinal could possess “the greatest devil” i.e. Satan and make him “worse”.
To Protestants (reformed Anglicans) the Roman Catholic Church under the Pope was seen as the anti-Christ – decadent, corrupt, irreligious and symbolic of evil. How far does the Cardinal fulfil this stereotype and why would Webster be presenting him as such?
Note the simile of the “plum trees” to describe the Duchess’s two brothers and the extended metaphor Bosola uses to describe a soldier’s service “from hospital to hospital”. What do these suggest about Bosola’s character?
Antonio’s attitude is interesting – in direct contrast to the Cardinal’s, he calls him “valiant”. Yet he also understands that “malcontents” are bred from lack of action i.e. boredom or frustration. Is Antonio naïve or presented as a trusting/innocent character?
Webster thus presents us with contrasting servants – Antonio who has a curious and observant disposition and Bosola – who serves yet resents all that has happened to him.
The audience have been told by Antonio that France is the perfect court and by Bosola that serving the Cardinal (Italian) is to be serving one who fails to reward.
Shadows and light are motifs that will recur – much like the painting and referencing the lighting of the indoor playhouses. Keep note of these.