John Webster's plays, The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi, are explorations of dark human nature set against the backdrop of sixteenth-century Italy. Both dramas depict tragic narratives where evil deeds orchestrated by powerful figures lead to the downfall of virtuous individuals. Through his notable characterization, especially of the female leads, Webster crafts stories that resonate with the timeless themes of power, corruption, and the pursuit of justice.

Common Themes in Webster's Plays

Webster's tragedies are marked by their exploration of the grim realities of life, especially within the corrupt environments of church and state. Both The White Devil and The Duchess of Malfi demonstrate how familial bonds and marriages are insufficient to protect the innocent from the relentless ambitions and cruelties of those in power. His plays question the very foundations of order, presenting worlds where evil seems ubiquitous. The memorable characters, particularly the tragic heroines Vittoria and the Duchess, embody the complex interplay of virtue and vice, evoking both admiration and sympathy.

The White Devil

The opening of The White Devil sets the tone for the dark, morally ambiguous world it portrays. Count Lodovico, banished for his numerous crimes, dismisses his murders as trivial "flea bites," revealing the callousness of his environment. At the heart of the play is the Duke of Brachiano, who, captivated by Vittoria's beauty, conspires to eliminate obstacles to their union. Vittoria subtly suggests the murder of their respective spouses through a clever dream narrative, showcasing her as a "white devil"—externally beautiful but internally corrupt.

Webster employs the device of the dumb show to depict the murders of Brachiano’s wife and Vittoria’s husband. Isabella, Brachiano’s wife, is killed by poison on a picture of her husband, while Vittoria's brother Flamineo kills her husband Camillo under the guise of an accident. These acts provoke the wrath of powerful figures like Cardinal Monticelso and Duke Francisco, initiating a series of retaliatory actions. Vittoria's trial is a powerful scene where her eloquent defense underlines her cunning nature, earning her the moniker "white devil" for her hypocrisy and inner ugliness.

The revenge of Brachiano’s enemies culminates in his gruesome death by poison, delivered through a seemingly innocuous helmet. Flamineo, who had wagered his fortunes on Brachiano, finds himself forsaken by the new duke. His sister Vittoria refuses to aid him, highlighting the destructive nature of their ambition and deceit. As they are both assassinated, Vittoria accepts her fate with a final scornful view of noble courts and their corruption.

The Duchess of Malfi

Many critics consider The Duchess of Malfi as Webster's superior work. The play is renowned for its rich language, intricate characterization, and profound themes. Set in the court of Duchess Giovanna of Malfi, it presents a compelling tableau of characters, including the villainous Cardinal and Duke Ferdinand. These figures represent the corruption entrenched within the institutions of power.

Antonio Bologna, the Duchess’s steward, is introduced as a man of worth through his equestrian skills. His noble character contrasts with the deceitful Cardinal and the manipulative Duke Ferdinand. The Duchess defies her brothers by marrying Antonio, valuing merit over lineage. Their secret marriage, witnessed only by her maid Cariola, defies societal norms and sets a dangerous precedent, inviting scrutiny and eventual disaster.

The Duchess’s brothers employ Bosola to spy on her, unaware of his growing conscience and internal struggle. The Duchess’s clandestine life and subsequent motherhood prompt Bosola to recognize Antonio’s worth, though it is too late to alter their fate. The eventual discovery of their marriage leads to a chain of events culminating in the haunting death scene of the Duchess, marked by...