The Duchess of Malfi is set in early 16th century Italy and demonstrates the particularly challenging societal structures which limited the voice of women during this era.

Within this historical context, the play demonstrates the patriarchal limitations placed on women. Women were expected to become dutiful wives and mothers, serving their families with little thought for their own desires. Their identities were often solely defined within their domestic roles, and women were encouraged to pursue activities like weaving and sewing to occupy their minds and therefore prevent "sinful" thoughts. The political influence of women was severely limited, and most women were passed as property from their fathers to their husbands with little choice in the matter. In many cases, women had no means to access their own financial resources, which were managed by the men in their lives.

Within this setting, the nameless Duchess of Malfi finds herself in conflict with her society. The play demonstrates that even upper-class women were not immune to these societal limitations; the Duchess's refusal to bend to the will of her brothers places both her and her eventual children with Antonio in danger. Her brothers' protests against the Duchess's remarriage reflect their desires to maintain their own power by controlling the transfer of her fortunes.

A person's name is a source of power because it is associated with a unique identity. You might consider how much significance is given to naming children when they are born and how new parents celebrate the joy in sharing the name they have chosen. The Duchess lacks an identifying name because her brothers fail to recognize her independent identity. Instead, her title is of central significance to Ferdinand and the Cardinal as they consider how their sister's status might benefit them.