THE DUCHESS OF MALFI BY JOHN WEBSTER ACT V- Scene 1
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.