Social class

In the opening line, Delio sets the atmosphere, using costume to imply characters are of a high social class. Interestingly, however, Antonio then goes onto criticise the classes above him. (A1S1)

'and you return/ A very formal Frenchman in your habit'

Ferdinand uses an unmitigated declarative to remind the Duchess of her social status, and to prevent her from 'poisonin[ing her] fame. (A1S1)

'You live in a rank pasture here, i'th'court'

Bosola's choice of diction to describe his work for the Cardinal creates sympathy from the reader. This enforces the idea that lower classes are subject to the higher classes' power. (A1S1)

'I fell into the galleys in your service'

The Duchess is able to assert authority over Antonio, through the use of unmitigated imperatives, as result of her high role in court. (A1S1)

'Sit down:/ Take pen and ink and write'

Ferdinand asserts control over Roderigo and Grisolan by undermining them with an interrogative and then declaring that they are to behave as he does. (A1S1)

'Why do you laugh?... take fire, when I give fire, that is, laugh when I/ laugh'

Using a declarative, the Cardinal manipulates Julia and reminds her of his status above her. His use of 'I have' depicts his self-pride. (A2S4)

'I have taken you off your melancholy perch'

Delio tells of Bosola's intelligence. The premodification of 'fantastical' heightens our pity for Bosola, who is low down on the hierarchical scale of being, showing that even the wise are corrupted by the upper class. This is similar to our feelings towards Blanche, who we discover once taught English. (A3S4)

'a fantastical scholar'

Julia uses diction with connotations of a lack of wealth to emphasise her social class, which is below that of Pescara. (A5S1)

'My lord, I am grown your poor petitioner,/ And should be an ill beggar'

Bosola attempts to absolve himself from guilt over Antonio's death. His line may offer an outlook that all humans, no matter what social class, exist for the same purpose. (A5S2)

'We are merely the stars' tennis balls, struck and banded/ Which way please them'