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The Duchess of Malfi

Series: New Mermaids
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( 18,437 ratings, 723 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster is a dark, dramatic tragedy set in the Italian Renaissance. It follows the young widow, the Duchess, who defies her brothers' wishes by secretly remarrying beneath her class. The play explores themes of power, corruption, and madness, as her brothers' schemes to control and punish her lead to devastating consequences.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you appreciate intense and dark tragedies exploring themes of power, corruption, and familial betrayal, this play may captivate you. Set in the Italian Renaissance, it offers a gripping narrative filled with psychological depth, intricate characters, and an evocative exploration of human ambition and deceit. This classic work from the Jacobean era provides a rich tapestry of drama and intrigue that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This new edition of Webster’s macabre masterpiece, The Duchess of Malfi, is accompanied by insightful commentary notes and a detailed introductory analysis of the play written by Karen Britland, making this the perfect edition for students.

As well as the complete text of the play, this revised New Mermaid edition includes:

  • A detailed plot summary and annotations throughout the text
  • An annotated bibliography and suggestions for further reading
  • A comprehensive introduction exploring the historical and literary contexts
  • An analysis of the play in performance, including recent productions inspired by the #MeToo movement, as well as contemporary adaptations such as Allan Palileo's Ang Dukesa ng Malfi (set in the Philippines) and Debo Oluwatuminu's Iyalode of Eti (set in pre-colonial Yorubaland)

Webster’s heroine stands out as one of the most compelling female characters on the early modern stage. Along with its exploration of familial bonds, this ensures the play is as relevant today as when it was written.

Series: New Mermaids

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster is widely acclaimed for its intense drama and dark, complex characters. Critics often praise the play's exploration of themes such as power, corruption, and the human condition, highlighting its rich language and intricate plot. While some find its tragic elements haunting, others appreciate its ability to captivate and provoke thought.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781474295673

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 October 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Contributors:

  • Edited by Professor Karen Britland

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 186g

Pages: 216

About the Author

Karen Britland is Professor of Early Modern English Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA. Her research interests include early modern drama, the Stuart court, and women’s writing. She has edited plays by Elizabeth Cary, John Marston, and James Shirley, and was an associate editor for the Cambridge Complete Works of Ben Jonson edition between 2000 and 2012.

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