The Duchess of Malfi

"The Duchess of Malfi" by John Webster is a tragic play from the early 1600s that examines the drive for power, societal constraints, and the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated world. The story centers on the Duchess; a woman who bravely decides to marry again after her husband's death, going against what people expect of her, which sets off a chain of terrible events. Initially, the audience is introduced to Antonio and Delio, who speak about the corruption within the court, highlighting characters such as Bosola, a bitter courtier, and the Duchess's manipulative brothers, Ferdinand and the Cardinal. These conversations hint that bad things will happen because the Duchess wants independence. As the play begins, the complexities of the court become clear as the Duchess states that she will marry again, defying the norms of the time; this brave decision creates a feeling of unease and hints at betrayal.