The tropes of the revenge tragedy

In spite of the quite complex background to Elizabethan revenge tragedy, the revenge scenario is simple.

1. There is the killing of one character by another, usually by violent, cowardly means.

2. Then there is the plotting by another character--often a relative, but it could be a loyal friend or associate of the victim--to avenge the death by killing the murderer.

 However, this plot line can be complicated in various ways:

3. by the inclusion of ingenious plot devices and twists.

4. by the addition of subplots (secondary stories).

5. exploring particular aspects of the revenge at length.

   1. the reasons for the original murder.

   2. the murderer’s motives and emotions before and/or after the murder.

   3. the revenger’s motives and emotions before and/or after the revenge.

   4. the plotting of revenge.

   5. means by which revenge is carried out.

   6. the different meanings assigned to revenge; is it justice, duty or murder? 

Vendetta: A revenge tragedy?

Understanding the Character's Choices

1. What motivates the widow Saverini to take revenge for her son's murder? How do her actions reflect her sense of justice or duty?

2. How does the story portray the widow’s relationship with her son, Antoine? How does this relationship affect our perception of her choices?

3. How do the cultural and social expectations in the story’s setting influence the widow’s decision to pursue vengeance?

Examining Moral Ambiguity

4. Do you believe the widow Saverini is justified in her actions? Why or why not?

5. How does the widow's use of her dog to carry out the act of revenge complicate our view of her morality?

6. Does the widow show any signs of guilt or hesitation about her plan? How does her demeanor shape our interpretation of her character?

Broader Ethical Implications

7. What role does the concept of justice play in this story? Is the widow’s revenge an act of justice, or does it cross the line into immorality?

8. How might the story’s depiction of revenge differ if it were told from the perspective of the widow’s victim or his family?

9. In what ways does the widow’s social status as a poor, elderly woman affect our judgment of her actions?