Comparison of the Undertones in the Plays Edward the Second versus The Dutchess of Malfi

Comparison of the Undertones in the Plays Edward the Second versus The Dutchess of Malfi

The plays, “Edward the Second, “ and “ The Duchess of Malfi.” I will be discussing what lead to Edward and the Duchess’s demised and how did the way they were murdered represented in the plays. I will also show what were the undertones in the two scenes, and how did they represent in the plays.

From the beginning, we learned that Edward was a homosexual, who was in love with Gaveston. We can have a sense that the whole play was played around Edward’s homosexuality and his affair toward Gaveston, until the very end of Edward’s brutal demise.

We learned in the beginning that the widow Duchess had fallen in love with Antonio, who was not in her social class. With two over protective siblings, the Cardinal (the eldest) and Ferdinand (her twin) were suffocating her. Evidences of over protections appeared with Ferdinand asking Bosola to watch over her while they were away.

Edward

Thy absence made me droop and pine away,

For as the lovers of fair Danae,

When she was locked up in abrasen

Tower, desired her more and waxed outrageous,

So did it sure with me; and now thy sight (2, 2, 52-56)

Ferdinand Your inclination to shed blood rides post

Before my occasion to use you. I give you that

To live I’ th’ court, here, and observe the Duchess:

To note all the particulars of her ‘haviour,

What suitors do solicit her for marriage

And whom she best affects: she’s a young widow,

I would not have her marry again. (1, 1, 241-247)

Edward and the Duchess are two rebels, trying to rebel against what they thought was wrong with their situations. For Edward he felt that if he was the king, who is all mighty, then he should have the right to be happy with anyone he chooses. He might have loved being a king, but it were the very thing that kept him from happiness. In a way, he was being choked by his own crown, preventing him from being happy.

For the Duchess, she too rebelled against his two brothers’ over protections of her. When I read this play. I was reminded of what someone once had told me. How would you hold a bird in your hand? If you would to hold it too tight, its only option would be to fly away.

Edward

Nay, then lay violent hands upon your king;