...A prince's court is like a common fountain, whence should flow pure silver drops in general...but if't...poison't near the head, death and diseases through the whole land spread"
Gov. sets example for the rest of the kingdom, if it becomes corrupt or reputation ruined then it will impact the whole state.
1 of 9
"...courtiers should be my touchwood, take fire when I give fire, that is, laugh when I laugh..."
Ferd. wants the courtiers under his will, rather than the courtiers and ruler sustaining one another
2 of 9
"...like plum trees that grow crooked over standing pools: they are rich, and o'erladen with fruit, but none but crows pies and caterpillars feed on them."
Ferd and Cardinal: Although they appear 'rich', those below them know their corrupt nature; natural imagery suggests they stop the natural order of things
3 of 9
"places in the court are but like beds in the hospital, where this man's head lies at that man's foot, and so lower, and lower"
Bosola the malcontent: Complaining about the hierarchy in court, reinforcing imagery of disease and social rot
4 of 9
...flatterers, panders, intelligencers, atheists, and a thousand such political monsters.
The Cardinal surrounds himself with disposable allies, contradicting the image of righteousness and morality which he should present
5 of 9
"I am Duchess of Malfi still"
Could be seen as admirable - the Duchess refuses to lose pride in the face of threat BUT also tradgic, a last ditch attempt at holding onto her non-existent power"
6 of 9
"Then the law to him is like a foul black cobweb to a spider"
Ferd. 'Entangles' those who benefit him, suggestion that it is only natural he use the law to his advantage
7 of 9
"we bear diseases...eaten up of lice, and worms...we delight to hide it in rich tissue"
Social rot (natural imagery): Man fails to admit his own flaws
8 of 9
"Ambition madam, is a great man's madness"
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9 of 9
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
"...courtiers should be my touchwood, take fire when I give fire, that is, laugh when I laugh..."
Back
Ferd. wants the courtiers under his will, rather than the courtiers and ruler sustaining one another
Card 3
Front
"...like plum trees that grow crooked over standing pools: they are rich, and o'erladen with fruit, but none but crows pies and caterpillars feed on them."
Back
Card 4
Front
"places in the court are but like beds in the hospital, where this man's head lies at that man's foot, and so lower, and lower"
Back
Card 5
Front
...flatterers, panders, intelligencers, atheists, and a thousand such political monsters.
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