In The Duchess of Malfi, we see aristocratic women who endeavour to exercise their independence, and move beyond the gender and social norms of their time. Malfi, Various Other Italian Places, The World. Corruption is one of John Webster's most pervasive themes in The Duchess of Malfi, operating on at least three levels: political, moral, and physical (bodily). The Duchess of malfi become widow earlier. The Duchess of Malfi's twin brother, cruel and tyrannical Ferdinand invests much of his energy trying to drive his sister mad. Corruption. They think that it shows lustful nature of her and remarrying of Duchess will injure the pride and status of their family. Antonio Bologna introduces the theme in the opening lines of Act 1, Scene 1. The Cardinal finds them, takes their wedding rings and banishes them. In John Webster’s tragic play The Duchess of Malfi, the titular character is undoubtedly subjected to great degrees of suffering, both physical and mental.However, it is less clear whether or not she can be viewed simply as an innocent victim. The Duchess forces Antonio to flee to Milan with their eldest son. In both cases, this is an act of disruption, as Cariola says of the Duchess wooing Antonio: Whether the spirit of greatness or of woman/ Reign most in her, I know not, but it shows/ A fearful madness. In commenting to Delio about the French court, he remarks that politics function like a fountain that can be easily poisoned at the source. He has two brothers Ferdinand and Cardinal. In a larger sense, the play doesn't take place in one geographic location. Finally, he himself is … The Duchess and her children meet Antonio in Ancona.

They both don’t want that Duchess remarry ad so they urges Duchess not to remarry.

The Cardinal finds them, takes their wedding rings and banishes them. The main setting of the play is "at court." Finally, he himself is overtaken by insanity. The Duchess of Malfi (Webster, 2009) is particularly interesting in regards to gender, because it both subverts and reinforces the traditionally assigned roles of 17th Century Italy. From the very beginning of the play, Webster stipulates the low standards that men held to women, even those of good social standing like the Duchess. In The Duchess of Malfi, the court is presented as a hotbed of corruption and injustice because it's the place where the lord-subject relationship (and all of the really nasty stuff that goes along with it) gets played out.. But the actual reason is that both brother don’t want any inheritance from duchess.