The White Devil

The White Devil PDF

Author: John Webster

Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 438

ISBN-13: 9780192834539

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This volume offers John Webster's two great Jacobean tragedies, The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi, together with his brilliant tragicomedy, The Devil's Law-Case, and the comedy written with William Rowley, A Cure for a Cuckold. Webster is a radically and creatively experimental dramatist. His tragedies deploy shifting dramatic perspectives which counteract and challenge conventional moral judgements, while the predominantly gentler tone of his comedies and tragicomedies responds inventively to contemporary changes in dramatic taste and fashion. All four plays display the provocative intelligence of a profoundly original playwright. Under the General Editorship of Michael Cordner of the University of York, the texts of the plays have been newly edited and are presented with modernized spelling and punctuation. In addition, there is detailed annotation, a glossary, and a critical introduction which traces Webster's artistic development, defends him against charges of overindulgence in violence, and explores his sophisticated staging and scenic forms.

The Duchess of Malfi

The Duchess of Malfi PDF

Author: John Webster

Publisher: BoD - Books on Demand

Published: 2023-07-11

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

John Webster was a later contemporary of Shakespeare, and The Duchess of Malfi, Webster’s best known play, is considered among the best of the period. It appears to have been first performed in 1612–13 at the Blackfriars before moving on to the larger and more famous Globe Theatre, and was later published in 1623. The play is loosely based on a real Duchess of Amalfi, a widow who marries beneath her station. On learning of this, her brothers become enraged and vow their revenge. Soon the intrigue, deceit, and murders begin. Marked by the period’s love of spectacular violence, each character exacts his revenge, and in turn suffers vengeance at the hands of others. Coming after Shakespeare’s equally sanguine Hamlet and Kyd’s The Spanish Tragedy, Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi brings to a close the era of the great Senecan tragedies of blood and revenge. As the Jacobean period progressed, the spectacle became more violent and dark, reflecting the public’s growing dissatisfaction with the corruption of King James’ court.

The Duchess of Malfi

The Duchess of Malfi PDF

Author: John Webster

Publisher:

Published: 1896

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

John Webster's play "The Duchess of Malfi" is a violent play that presents a dark, disturbing portrait of the human condition... The title character is a widow with two brothers: Ferdinand and the Cardinal. In the play's opening act, the brothers try to persuade their sister not to seek a new husband. Her resistance to their wishes sets in motion a chain of secrecy, plotting, and violence. The relationship between Ferdinand and the Duchess is probably one of the most unsettling brother-sister relationships in literature. The play is full of both onstage killings and great lines. The title character is one of stage history's intriguing female characters; she is a woman whose desires lead her to defy familial pressure. Another fascinating and complex character is Bosola, who early in the play is enlisted to act as a spy. Overall, a compelling and well-written tragedy. --Michael J. Mazza at Amazon.com.

The White Devil and the Duchess of Malfy

The White Devil and the Duchess of Malfy PDF

Author: John Webster

Publisher: Legare Street Press

Published: 2022-10-27

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781017513981

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

The Duchess of Malfi

The Duchess of Malfi PDF

Author: John Webster

Publisher: A&C Black

Published: 2014-02-27

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 1472571835

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

A major revision of this classic revenge tragedy. The comprehensive introduction covers recent developments in criticism and key theatre productions, as well as relating the play to other early modern tragedies. The edition gives students and teachers a reliable, annotated text and a stimulating overview of the play's context, critical perspectives and an exploration of its stage history. An invaluable resource for study and performance.

The Duchess of Malfi and Other Plays

The Duchess of Malfi and Other Plays PDF

Author: John Webster

Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks

Published: 2009-03-26

Total Pages: 484

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This volume offers John Webster's two great Jacobean tragedies, The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi, together with his brilliant tragicomedy, The Devil's Law-Case, and the comedy written with William Rowley, A Cure for a Cuckold. All four plays display the provocative intelligence of a profoundly original playwright. A critical introduction defends Webster against charges of over-indulgence in violence, and explores his sophisticated staging and scenic forms.

The Mystery of the Duchess of Malfi

The Mystery of the Duchess of Malfi PDF

Author: Barbara Banks Amendola

Publisher: Sutton Pub Limited

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 250

ISBN-13: 9780750928403

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This book traces her tragic life, the controversy of her secret marriage to her servant lover, and the wrath of her wicked Cardinal brother, amid the culture of fifteenth century Italy.