REVENGE MOTIF IN JOHN WEBSTER’S THE DUCHESS OF MALFI: A CRITICAL STUDY

ABSTRACT

In the history of Jacobian drama, John Webster occupies a prominent and significant place. In his dramatic works, Webster portrays the temper and environment of post Italian life. The revenge motif which was popularized by Seneca and Thomas Kyd, was carried forward by Webster in his dramatic works including The White Devil, and The Duchess of Malfi. The Duchess of Malfi is a powerful dramatization of revenge theme with all the ingredients of the same presented vividly. In dealing with the concept of revenge, he takes into consideration the other factors morality, pessimism, and satirical delineation of the incidents.   

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