Description
Although the life of John Webster remains somewhat of an enigma, as even the dates of his birth and death remain widely uncertain, the tragic plays he wrote remain as a testament to his outstanding skill even four centuries years later. In an era when tragedies were a real trend – exemplified particularly through works such as The Spanish Tragedy and Shakespeare’s Hamlet, two landmark plays that have defined Webster’s period – The Duchess of Malfi introduces a story filled with intrigue that was based on a real happening from almost 100 years earlier.The play was written according to the story of Giovanna d’Aragona, Duchess of Amalfi, who lived around 1511 and was the daughter of Enrico d’Aragona, the Marquis of Gerace. Although she was born in a family with an established name in higher society, Giovanna secretly married a man from a lower class family soon after her first husband died.The story in The Duchess of Malfi begins more or less at this point, while starting from the premise of Giovanna d’Aragona’s tale, and continuing it with a dangerous love story that will progress gradually but steadily toward situations commonly found in Webster’s dramatic works.With a well-paced methodical plot that focuses on elements of threats, violence and tragedy, as well as suspenseful developments that will keep you glued to your seat throughout the read, the play will offer plenty of entertainment.The complexity of some of the characters, including the Duchess herself and Daniel de Bosola – the former servant of the Duchess’ brother – the Cardinal – is quite fascinating, as well as intense. Also, with themes such as the status of women in the 16th century and the misuse of power associated with the period will give you a sense of what life in higher society and the contrast between classes was like.
Product ID: 9781776662524
Sku: TY-GQJL-4QA9
