Malfi - Marginalised masculinity

Point

despite Bosola’s desire to embody hegemonic masculine ideals he is constantly degraded by other men in society as a result of his low social standing and the harsh realities of his marginalized position. This tension highlights the complexity of masculinity within the play.

• His increasing displays of violence throughout the play show his desire to conform to this idealised type of masculinity

A2S1

Apricots scene - whilst may seem minor - harming the Duchess’ social standing by trying to expose her publicly - men as lacking compassion - only care about their own gain

“Apricots, madam” “How greedily she beats them”

Duchess - “I fear i am undone” illustrates the power dynamics at play, as men manipulate situations for their benefit, reflecting a broader critique of masculine behavior.

A4S2

“Some strangle the children”

“Fetch her”

“Dispatch her!”

“Throttle her!”

repeated imperatives portray bosola as a agent of aggression who is blindly following orders, showcasing the extreme measures men take to assert power and control within the patriarchal structure of the play. This scene further emphasizes the violence inherent in marginalized masculinity.

- due to the desperation of men

• and unfathomable consequences this desperation can cause

ao3- bosola as a consequence of the system he exists within

Webster uses Bosola to expose the tragic consequences of a system where men are either dominant or disposable — and those without status must resort to violence to gain visibility. Jacobean audiences would have seen Bosola as a malcontent figure, both complicit in and critical of the toxic structures around him. His arc aligns with Webster’s broader commentary on how patriarchy doesn't just harm women, but also traps men in rigid, destructive roles

ao5 - what is bosola

As critic Emma Smith argues, Bosola is “not a villain, but a casualty of power,” highlighting how masculine identity in the play is defined by desperation, subjugation, and brutality.

comparison

See these displays of violence again in streetcar by marginalised men as a despaerate way of trying to assert their mascuilinity e.g. Mitch attempted rape “He fumbles to embrace her