Duchess of Malfi Act 2 1 to Act

Duchess of Malfi: Act 2. 1 to Act 2. 3 January 21 st

Learning Objectives • To explore and recap context of Duchess of Malfi • To consider the exam requirements • To continue reading the play and to consider the presentation of the Duchess.

Exam Requirements – Drama and Poetry Pre 1900 • In the exam, you will always compare Paradise Lost with The Duchess of Malfi. • In enrichment lessons, we will focus on The Duchess of Malfi in isolation for the time being. • The question will give you a statement that you need to engage with: ‘Literature weighs the relationship between action and consequence. ’ In light of this view, explore the ways writers explore actions and consequences. You must explore both texts in your response.

The Duchess of Malfi and Renaissance Women Read the article and answer the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. What is the significance of the Duchess dying in Act Four? Why is remarrying such an issue for the Duchess? What does the Duchess’ willingness to remarry indicate about her? Explore the significance of the famous quote: ‘I am the Duchess of Malfi still. ’

Read Act 2. 1 to Act 2. 3 Using the following slides, read each scene from 2. 1 to 2. 3. NOTE – you will be answering a question focused on exploring SECRETS. • Think about how Webster develops the main characters • Consider your impressions of the Duchess. Have they changed since Act 1? • Consider your impressions of Antonio? Have they changed? Does he live up to the Duchess’ Expectations? • How is Bosola developed? • How are the Cardinal and Ferdinand developed?

Scene 1 • Bosola’s disdain for decadence is followed by his rejection of an accusation of ambition. • He offers the Duchess apricots, which she eagerly accepts. • The fruit brings on a sudden illness which Antonio fears is the onset of labour, and therefore exposes their secret. TASK: Make notes on the presentation of the Duchess, Bosola, and Antonio

Scene 2 • Bosola is cruel to the Old Lady once more. Whilst it is his ‘duty’ to spy on the Duchess, perhaps this shows his true nature. • Antonio claims the Duchess has been poisoned to explain her reaction to the apricots. • Antonio orders that everyone be confined to their rooms because he says there has been a robbery. TASK: Make notes on Antonio’s character, and his willingness to resort to trickery.

Scene 3 • Antonio and Bosola are both on clandestine spying missions and a chance meeting brings their mutual hostility into the open. • Antonio drops the new baby’s horoscope and after he has gone Bosola wastes no time in communicating the paper’s information back to Rome. TASK: Make notes on the presentation of Bosola and Antonio in this scene.

Extended Response Using the notes you have previously collected, write TWO developed paragraphs exploring the following: ‘Literature often contains characters with significant secrets. ’ In light of this statement, explore the ways Webster presents secrets in Act Two. You should email your response to me by the end of the day.