Comment on Webster’s use of imagery in The Duchess of Malfi

Answer

Comment on Webster’s use of imagery in “The Duchess of Malfi.”

In John Webster’s (1578-1626) revenge tragedy, “The Duchess of Malfi” (1623), imagery is a powerful tool. It evokes emotions, creates an atmosphere, and enhances the themes of corruption, mortality, and madness. Webster’s masterful use of vivid and often grotesque imagery draws the audience deep into the dark world of the play.

Gothic Atmosphere: Webster establishes an oppressive atmosphere through dark and gothic imagery. The play is set in a decaying and haunted palace. It is a reflection of the moral decay and corruption within the story. This imagery is particularly evident in scenes involving the Duchess’s imprisonment. For example, Ferdinand’s description of the “dead man’s hand” and the “horrid shapes” that appear in the Duchess’s chambers create a weird and foreboding mood. This shows the sense of impending doom. The imagery of darkness symbolizes the pervasive corruption and the inevitability of death.

Symbolism of Light and Darkness: The contrast between light and darkness is a recurring theme in the play. It symbolizes the battle between innocence and corruption, knowledge and ignorance. The Duchess herself is often associated with light, representing purity and virtue. In stark contrast, her brothers, Ferdinand and the Cardinal, are linked to darkness, embodying evil and deceit. This is clearly illustrated when Ferdinand, upon discovering the Duchess’s dead body, declares,

Cover her face. Mine eyes dazzle: she died young.

Here, the imagery of dazzling light suggests Ferdinand’s inner turmoil and guilt, as well as the blinding purity of the Duchess, which he cannot bear to face.

Grusome Imagery: Webster does not shy away from gruesome imagery to depict the brutal reality of the characters’ world. The scene where the Duchess is presented with a picture of wax figures resembling her dead family is particularly striking. Ferdinand’s cruelty is evident when he says,

Here is a present from your princely brothers. 

The lifelike wax figures symbolize the inescapable presence of death.