Dec 23, 2009
One of the most basic themes of The Duchess of Malfi involves the exploration of status and nobility. The play both examines the courtly assumption that being high-born makes an individual noble and proposes the notion that nobility derives solely from truth and virtue. However, it also presents the argument that nobility is not truly attainable because our basic nature is animal and corrupt. Examine the two different ways the play suggests nobility might be attained, and present a case arguing either that nobility is indeed attainable or...
©2000-2009
Enotes.com Inc.
All Rights Reserved