Madness quotes

Cariola perceives the Duchess' marriage of fearful madness, as she goes, with risk, against her brothers' commands. (A1S1)

'Whether the spirit of greatness or of woman... it shows a fearful madness'

The Cardinal's unmitigated declarative emphasises Ferdinand's uncontrollable rage over his sister's marriage. (A2S5)

'I can be angry/ Without this rupture'

Pescara and Delio's shared line highlights Ferdinand's unpredictable nature. The declarative between two people emphasises that is is common thought. (A3S3)

'The Lord Ferdinand laughs./ Like a deadly cannon'

Webster's use of stage direction emphasises Ferdinand's demented nature, which is, structurally, witnessed at the beginning, middle and end of the play. (A4S2)

'[Gives her a dead man's hand]'

The servant lists the types of madmen he is about to impose on the Duchess. Here, Webster shows a reader that madness may be found in all walks of life, and thus is inescapable. (A4S2)

'There's a mad lawyer, and a secular priest'

The Duchess' imperative implies a lack of fear of the madmen, enhancing her power and bravery. This could be a result of experience with her brother, who may be perceived at the height of madness. (A4S2)

'Let them loose when you please'

The doctor declares Ferdinand's illness. This animalisation is to be taken seriously as it is professionally diagnosed and presents Ferdinand as weakened by madness. (A5S2)

'A very pestilent disease.../ They call lycanthrophia'

Webster's use of darkness, as seen in the stage directions, helps to emphasise a sense of hysteria in the play. It is in the dark scenes that deceit often takes place. (A4S1)

'[Enter Ferdinand, Bosola and servants with torches]'

Cardinal's declarative in the final act of the play may hint at a descent into madness and fear, rather than guilt. This is also prolepsis for his death in the scene.

'Methinks I see a thing armed with a rake/ That seems to strike at me'