The Duchess of Malfi Act 4, Scene 1: Questions and Answers
by John Webster

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Act 4, Scene 1: Questions and Answers

Study Questions
1. What is the Duchess’s response to her imprisonment?

2. Why does Ferdinand show the Duchess figures of Antonio and their children?

3. Why does the Duchess plan to starve herself to death?

4. Who made the figures of Antonio and their children?

5. Why does Ferdinand plan to put madmen near the Duchess’ lodging?

Answers
1. The Duchess bears her imprisonment “nobly.”

2. Ferdinand does this to bring the Duchess despair.

3. The Duchess wants to die, and “the Church enjoins fasting.”

4. Vincentio Lauriola made the figures.

5. Ferdinand wants to make the Duchess insane.

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