Summary
Summary Paradise Lost and Duchess of Malfi: Comparative Analysis
- Module
- Drama and poetry pre-1900
- Institution
- OCR
Comparative thematic analysis of both Paradise Lost and Duchess of Malfi with applicable useful quotes embedded.
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THEMESReligion
Both the Cardinal and Ferdinand sin greatly, and it is these sins that drive the play’s main plots. Their
greed for the Duchess’ fortune and imperious nature about their noble blood makes them strive to
prevent her from remarrying.
Ferdinand’s incestuous desire for his sister is another glaring sin, one that motivates much of his
horrible treatment of her (out of anger that he cannot have her yet the ‘mere’ Antonio can). His rage,
lust, pride and greed drive him to the point of physical deformity (werewolf) and even the language he
uses when discussing what he wishes to do to punish the Duchess shocks the Cardinal. His final lines
strengthen the idea that our punishment and fate lies in accordance with our sins: “Whether we fall by
ambition, blood or lust, like diamonds we are cut with our own dust.”
The Cardinal even uses his religious influence as a weapon of sorts, banishing the Duchess and
Antonio in a formal ceremony at a religious shrine - this is hypocritical, considering he criticises her
for faking a pilgrimage and in turn making “religion her riding hood”.
Most characters acknowledge the dangers of sin, the devil, and hell. Bosola knows the devil tempts
evil acts, making them look desirable though they are what heaven frowns upon. The Cardinal enters
the stage carrying a religious book and - after murdering Julia - he ponders on the nature of hell as a
scholar, a believer. Yet despite this display of knowledge from both characters and others, they are not
deterred from sinning. Religion is, here, not a force that can prevent bad behaviour.
The Duchess’ relationship with religion is conflicting. She is able to face death with such grace as she
is comforted by the fact that she will greet her loved ones and great people in her next life in heaven.
However, during her time alive she references religious practices and beliefs as superstition (when
Bosola suggests she pretend to make a pilgrimage, she says it's a good idea, Cariola says she mustn’t
“jest” with religion, the Duchess calls her a “superstitious fool”).
Webster shows religion to be double sided, having been warped to duplicity by these characters.
Some, like the Duchess, rely on it for comfort in times of suffering. More commonly, however, it is
used by powerful men to seize or maintain power, a means for the wicked to justify themselves and to
hide their terrible sins.
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