1. Jacobean Revenge Tragedy
Lesson 18
Act 4 Scene 1
LO: To identify the importance of Act 4 Scene 1 to the understanding The Duchess’ psyche

2. Comparing speeches

3. Questions How has Bosola’s attitude towards the Duchess changed?
Bosola refers to Ferdinand as her ‘eldest brother’ yet in the following scene he remarks that she was ‘born first’. What interpretations are there of this discrepancy?
What is the significance of Ferdinand calling her children ‘bastards’?
Make a list of the series of tableaux planned by Ferdinand to torture the Duchess.
What is the significance of Bosola’s request that he will only meet with the Duchess again if he is in disguise?

4. Light and dark
Homework: read the BBC article on light and dark imagery.
Write a paragraph about Webster’s use of light and dark in Act 4 scene 1. Focus on context, its use and effect as a dramatic device.
EXT: find other examples of light and dark in the play
EXT: link to Rossetti’s ‘Remember’ (both darkness and hand imagery used)