Literary Analysis of Corruption in The Duchess Of Malfi (by John Webster)

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‘… a prince’s court

Is like a common fountain, whence should flow

Pure silver drops in general, but if’t chance

Some cursed example poison’t near the head,

Death and diseases through the whole land spread.’

In the light of this comment, discuss the presentation of corruption in The Duchess of Malfi.

Corruption in The Duchess of Malfi (TDOM) is presented in the secular world as a form of greed, arrogance and craze, in the religious world which does not uphold religious values such as integrity as much as they are expected to, and in the world of marriage which is supposed to be pure and sacred. Corruption is pervasive and influential, where the influence can be passed from top down, from leaders to their followers or any other people.

Corruption in TDOM is presented in the secular world as a form of greed, arrogance and craze.

  1. Corruption as a form of greed can be seen through Ferdinand, who is described by Delio in his commentary of other characters by saying, “the law to him / Is like a foul black cobweb to a spider”. This metaphor compares Ferdinand to a spider, where the “law” is his “cobweb”. Ferdinand manipulates the law just like how any spider would weave its cobweb to its own advantage of catching prey. Ferdinand’s prey are those who got caught in his manipulations, and like a spider, he would “feed off” his prey by making use of them for his selfish reasons. In this way, Ferdinand is described as a predatory creature, manipulating the law, which is meant to serve justice, to benefit himself even more. This juxtaposition…

Want to read more of this? Simply read all 4 TDOM essays here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LFKLNJZ

Alternatively, contact me at thinkthoughtstaught@gmail.com for more details on purchasing the book.

12 thoughts on “Literary Analysis of Corruption in The Duchess Of Malfi (by John Webster)”

  1. Pingback: John Webster Designed The Duchess Of Malfi as a Tragic Heroine Before Her Time in the Jacobean Period – Think Thoughts

  2. I yet to read this book, but with your explanation, I think I dont need to anymore. And if this book talks about all the things you wrote here, then John Webster is but a genius.

    Thanks for taking time to put this together. And you should keep it up.👌

    Liked by 3 people

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    1. There are a lot of subtle things that authors of literature fit into their works I feel, including Webster. Others more modern include Kazuo Ishiguro, whom I am also going to write about in the coming weeks, contributed a whole lot to the literature world in my opinion 🙂
      Thank you so much for reading through. Hope you enjoyed it! 😀

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Painfully haven’t being much of a literature person before now, so am not so familiar with those names but, I think I just found a new thing to be found of.

        And yes! I enjoyed every bit. Thanks once again; for sharing.

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  3. I suspect Mr Webster was eclipsed by William Shakespeare and I had never heard his name , not that that proves anything my knowledge of literature is patchy to say the least. I will read this play having discovered its existence ; thanks for the tip.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much! Your compliment adds to my optimism in writing 🙂
      Hope you find the play meaningful to read. Other than reading, you may also look to watching the play, which expresses all subtle stage directions and behaviour from Webster’s writing into real life 😀

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  5. Pingback: Integrity & Nobility Crowning the End for The Duchess Of Malfi (Literary Analysis) – Think Thoughts

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