Family quotations

‘The marriage night/ Is the entrance into some prison’

prolepsis of the Duchess’ literal incarceration. The imagery critiques a society that perverts the sanctity of family into a system of control and punishment, especially when familial decisions contradict male authority.

“You are my sister. This was my father’s poniard.” (Act 1.2)

Ferdinand weaponises his familial relationship & patrilineal heritage as a threat, using the symbolic ‘poniard’ to assert dominance. His invocation of their father ties family honour directly to violence, suggesting that any perceived shame brought upon the family must be avenged. This moment illustrates how male relatives claim ownership over female kin, especially in aristocratic families where reputation is paramount. 

He uses family ties as a tool of control & intimidation. 

"Shall our blood, The royal blood of Aragon and Castile, Be thus attainted?’ (Act 2.5)

the Cardinal’s concern is not with his sister’s happiness or wellbeing but with the ‘purity’ of their lineage. His outrage at the supposed “tainting” of blood reflects an obsession with social status, legacy, and the male-controlled bloodline. It reinforces the idea that women are merely vessels for reproducing dynastic power — not autonomous individuals.

‘When I choose a husband, I will marry for your honor.’ (Act 3.3)

The Duchess feigns dedication to her family; she uses ironic deference to her brothers, masking her true independence with a performative show of loyalty. This line reveals how she must manipulate patriarchal expectations to act on her desires. Fraternal dominance is depicted as damaging/ negative 

‘You have bloodily approved ancient truth/ That kindred commonly do worse agree/ Than remote strangers.’ (Act 4.2)

Duchess reflects on the deep dysfunction within her family, lamenting that her brothers have betrayed her more violently than strangers might. This speaks to corrupted family bonds, made worse by Ferdinand’s potentially incestuous fixation and the toxic need for control. This links to Bosola's role as the malcontent 

‘I am the Duchess of Malfi still’ (Act 4.2)

Even in the face of death and family betrayal, the Duchess reclaims and asserts her title and identity. Her calm assertion is both defiant and dignified, showing that even though her brothers have tried to destroy her, she refuses to be defined or diminished by their cruelty. The line encapsulates her resistance against patriarchal oppression within the family unit. 

‘You are the one that abandoned Belle Reve, not I!’ (sc 1)

Blanche introduces resentment & guilt between the sisters. Blanche sees herself as the self-sacrificing family member, while blaming Stella for abandoning family duties. It lays the foundation for Blanche’s feeling of betrayal & emotional instability. 

‘The Kowalskis and DuBois have different notions.’ (sc 2)

This marks Stanley’s open rejection of Blanche’s values and identity. It shows how he sees the DuBois heritage as irrelevant and outdated in the modern, working-class world he represents. This highlights fractured family ties, suggesting that marriage and blood relations are no longer strong enough to unite people across class and value systems.

‘You have no idea how stupid and horrible you’re being’ (sc 2)

Stella defends Blanche as Stanley rifles through her things. This indicates the beginning of the strain between the loyalty to her sister & to her husband, reflecting the fractured nature of family ties. 

‘There are things that happen between a man and a woman in the dark – that sort of make everything else seem – unimportant.’ (sc 4)

This indicates that everything in Stella’s life is inferior to her sexual passion. The fractured dialogue creates a sense of wistful thoughtfulness as if she is absorbed in the memory of her past sexual experiences with Stanley. This foreshadows how Stella’s attraction to Stanley leads to her betrayal of Blanche since she does not view familial love as greatly as sexual passion. 

‘You’ve got to realise that Blanche and I grew up under very different circumstances than you did.’ (sc 7)

This reveals the deep social and familial divide between Stella’s old aristocratic background and Stanley’s working-class identity. Stella’s attempt to explain Blanche’s behaviour highlights the tension between blood ties and marital loyalty, as she tries to defend her sister while also aligning herself with her husband. It reflects how family bonds are strained and redefined by class, marriage, and changing values, showing how the once-unified DuBois family is now fractured beyond repair. 

‘I couldn’t believe her story and go on living with Stanley’ (sc 11)

Stella sacrifices her sister to preserve her nuclear family

‘[He picks up her inert figure and carries her to the bed]’ (sc 10)

Stanley attacks Blanche partly because he sees her as a threat to the family unit he has with Stella (his control/ dominance over Stella is threatened)

‘[She sobs with inhuman abandon (...) now that her sister is gone.] (sc 11)

This demonstrates the depth of Stella and Blanche’s sister bond. Blanche’s removal symbolically severs the family tie, and Stella’s emotional breakdown suggests her inner conflict & regret, even after choosing Stanley.