11.2 John Webster and Revenge Tragedy
5 min read•july 29, 2024
, a master of revenge tragedy, pushed the genre to new heights during the Jacobean era. His plays, like "," explore corruption, morality, and justice through complex characters and vivid language.
Webster's impact on revenge tragedy was profound. He set new standards with his psychological depth and expanded themes, influencing later playwrights and cementing the genre's place in dramatic literature.
Revenge Tragedy Characteristics
Common Elements and Themes
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- Revenge tragedies revolve around a protagonist seeking for a perceived wrong or injustice, often leading to a cycle of violence and retribution
- Common elements include:
- Ghosts that haunt the protagonist and drive their quest for revenge (Hamlet's father in Shakespeare's "Hamlet")
- Madness that consumes characters as a result of their obsession with revenge (Hieronimo in Thomas Kyd's "The Spanish Tragedy")
- Graphic violence and murder as the means of exacting revenge (the brutal murders in Webster's "The Duchess of Malfi")
- Jacobean revenge tragedies explore themes of corruption, moral decay, and the consequences of unchecked passion or ambition
Metatheatrical Devices and Heightened Language
- The genre frequently employs metatheatrical devices to comment on the nature of revenge and its impact on society
- Plays-within-plays are used to mirror the main plot and expose the characters' true intentions (the play-within-a-play in "Hamlet" reveals Claudius's guilt)
- Soliloquies and asides allow characters to express their inner thoughts and motivations directly to the audience
- Revenge tragedies of the Jacobean era are known for their heightened language and use of macabre and supernatural elements
- Vivid imagery and poetic language intensify the emotional impact of the plays (the Duchess's haunting speech in "The Duchess of Malfi": "I am Duchess of Malfi still")
- Supernatural elements, such as ghosts and omens, create an atmosphere of dread and foreboding (the ominous horoscope in "The Duchess of Malfi")
Corruption, Morality, and Justice in Webster
Corruption and Moral Decay
- In "The Duchess of Malfi," Webster explores the corruption of the Italian court and the moral decay of characters
- Ferdinand and the Cardinal abuse their power and engage in incestuous desires towards their sister, the Duchess
- The Cardinal's duplicitous nature and involvement in murder demonstrate the corruption within the Catholic Church
- "" exposes the corruption and moral failings of characters driven by self-interest
- Flamineo manipulates others for personal gain, disregarding loyalty and familial bonds
- Vittoria engages in adultery and murder, showcasing the moral decay of the aristocracy
Justice and Its Elusiveness
- Webster's plays question the nature of justice, as characters who commit heinous acts may initially escape punishment, while the innocent suffer unjustly
- In "The Duchess of Malfi," the Duchess is persecuted and ultimately murdered by her brothers, despite her innocence
- Bosola, who carries out the murders, experiences a crisis of conscience but is unable to find redemption
- The plays suggest that true justice is elusive in a world plagued by corruption and moral decay
- Revenge often leads to further violence and suffering rather than resolution, creating a cycle of destruction (the deaths of Antonio and the Duchess's children in "The Duchess of Malfi")
- The corrupt characters may face their downfall, but often at a great cost to the innocent (the deaths of Camillo and Isabella in "The White Devil")
Psychological Complexity of Webster's Characters
Intense Emotions and Inner Conflicts
- Webster's characters are driven by intense emotions such as jealousy, ambition, and desire, which lead them to commit terrible acts and contribute to their own downfall
- Bosola's conflicted loyalty and guilt in "The Duchess of Malfi" demonstrate the psychological toll of his actions
- Flamineo's ruthless ambition and manipulative nature in "The White Devil" ultimately isolate him from others and lead to his demise
- Villains such as Bosola and Flamineo are portrayed with psychological depth, as their motivations and inner conflicts are explored throughout the plays
- Bosola's soliloquies reveal his grappling with the morality of his actions and his desire for redemption
- Flamineo's moments of vulnerability and self-doubt humanize him, despite his villainous acts
Identity and Self-Awareness
- Webster's characters often grapple with questions of identity, self-awareness, and the consequences of their actions
- The Duchess in "The Duchess of Malfi" asserts her identity and agency in the face of oppression, defying societal expectations
- Vittoria in "The White Devil" undergoes a transformation as she confronts the consequences of her actions and seeks to redefine herself
- The plays explore the psychological toll of living in a corrupt and morally ambiguous world
- Characters struggle with guilt, paranoia, and the erosion of their mental state (Ferdinand's descent into madness in "The Duchess of Malfi")
- The weight of their actions and the inability to escape the cycle of violence lead to the characters' psychological deterioration
Webster's Impact on Revenge Tragedy
Setting New Standards
- Webster's plays, particularly "The Duchess of Malfi" and "The White Devil," are considered masterpieces of the revenge tragedy genre and have influenced subsequent works
- The complex characterization and psychological depth in Webster's plays set a new standard for the genre, moving beyond simple archetypes and stock characters
- The exploration of and the consequences of revenge became more prevalent in later revenge tragedies
- Webster's works expanded the thematic scope of revenge tragedies, delving deeper into issues of corruption, morality, and the human condition
- The plays' critique of societal institutions and the abuse of power influenced later works that addressed similar themes (the corruption of the court in Shakespeare's "Hamlet")
- The examination of gender roles and female agency in "The Duchess of Malfi" paved the way for more complex female characters in the genre
Enduring Influence
- The heightened language, vivid imagery, and use of macabre and supernatural elements in Webster's plays have become defining features of the revenge tragedy genre
- Later playwrights emulated Webster's style, incorporating poetic language and Gothic elements into their works (the ghostly apparitions in Thomas Middleton's "The Revenger's Tragedy")
- The use of and foreshadowing, prominent in Webster's plays, became staples of the genre
- The enduring popularity and critical acclaim of Webster's plays have helped to cement the revenge tragedy genre as a significant and influential form of dramatic literature
- "The Duchess of Malfi" and "The White Devil" continue to be widely performed and studied, attesting to their lasting impact on the genre
- Webster's influence can be seen in the works of later playwrights, such as Thomas Middleton and John Ford, who further developed the themes and techniques of the revenge tragedy genre
Key Terms to Review (16)
Catharsis: Catharsis refers to the emotional release and purification that an audience experiences during a dramatic performance, particularly in tragedy. This concept is significant in understanding the purpose of Greek tragedy and its impact on viewers, as it aims to evoke feelings of pity and fear, leading to a sense of relief and emotional clarity by the play's conclusion.
Dramatic Irony: Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows more about a situation than the characters in the story. This creates tension and engagement, as viewers anticipate the moment when characters will come to realize the truth, heightening emotional impact and thematic depth.
Elizabethan Theatre: Elizabethan theatre refers to the theatrical practices and performances that took place in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, roughly from 1558 to 1603. This period is marked by the flourishing of drama, particularly through the works of playwrights like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, and it laid the foundations for modern English theatre by blending classical influences with innovative storytelling and character development.
Five-act structure: The five-act structure is a dramatic framework used in storytelling, where a narrative is divided into five distinct parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. This format allows for the development of characters and plotlines in a way that builds tension and leads to a satisfying resolution. It has been influential in shaping various theatrical traditions, particularly in Roman tragedy and revenge tragedies, highlighting themes of fate, morality, and retribution.
Globe Theatre: The Globe Theatre was a prominent Elizabethan playhouse built in 1599, known for being the primary venue for many of William Shakespeare's plays. It was an open-air theatre that allowed audiences to engage directly with performances, reflecting the dynamic cultural landscape of Tudor England and shaping the evolution of professional theatre during this time.
Jacobean Drama: Jacobean drama refers to the theatrical works produced during the reign of King James I of England from 1603 to 1625, characterized by its complex characters, dark themes, and a focus on moral ambiguity. This period saw a continuation of the earlier Elizabethan style while incorporating deeper psychological insights and more elaborate plots, often exploring themes of revenge, corruption, and the consequences of human actions. Notable playwrights from this era include John Webster, whose works exemplify the distinct qualities of Jacobean drama.
John Webster: John Webster was a prominent English playwright of the early 17th century, known for his contributions to the genre of revenge tragedy. His works, including 'The Duchess of Malfi' and 'The White Devil,' showcase complex characters and intense emotional themes, setting a standard for dramatic storytelling during the Jacobean era. Webster's writing is characterized by its dark tone, exploration of human nature, and the moral complexities of revenge.
Moral ambiguity: Moral ambiguity refers to situations where the distinction between right and wrong is unclear, leading to complex ethical dilemmas. This concept often highlights the struggles of characters faced with conflicting values, resulting in choices that challenge traditional notions of morality. In various forms of storytelling, including classical tragedies and revenge plays, moral ambiguity allows for rich character development and profound thematic exploration.
Seneca: Seneca was a Roman philosopher, statesman, and dramatist, known for his contributions to the development of Roman tragedy. His works significantly influenced later European drama, particularly during the Renaissance, as his exploration of themes like revenge, morality, and the human condition resonated with playwrights in various historical periods.
Soliloquy: A soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud, often while alone on stage, revealing their inner feelings and motivations to the audience. This technique allows for deeper character development and insight into the emotional and psychological states of the characters, making it a crucial element in various theatrical traditions.
The Duchess of Malfi: The Duchess of Malfi is a tragedy written by John Webster, revolving around themes of power, revenge, and the consequences of social and personal transgression. The play follows the titular character, a widowed duchess who defies her brothers' oppressive control over her life by secretly marrying her steward, Antonio, which ultimately leads to her tragic downfall. This work embodies the characteristics of revenge tragedy, showcasing the complexities of human emotion and the corrupting influence of power.
The King's Men: The King's Men was a prominent theatrical company in early 17th-century England, formed in 1603 when King James I ascended to the throne. This company emerged from the earlier Lord Chamberlain's Men and became the leading group performing Shakespeare's plays and other notable works of the time, including those of John Webster, who was known for his contributions to the genre of revenge tragedy.
The white devil: The White Devil is a tragedy written by John Webster that explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and moral corruption. It centers around the character of Vittoria Corombona, who navigates a treacherous world of deceit and vengeance, ultimately leading to her downfall. The play's complex characters and dark atmosphere exemplify the essence of revenge tragedy, making it a significant work in the early 17th-century theatre landscape.
Tragic hero: A tragic hero is a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to their own destruction. This character often possesses noble qualities, but their tragic flaw or hamartia leads to a downfall, eliciting pity and fear from the audience. The tragic hero’s journey is marked by their struggle against fate and their ultimate recognition of their error, which usually ends in catastrophe.
Vengeance: Vengeance refers to the act of seeking retribution or punishment for a perceived wrong or injury. This theme is central in many dramatic works, particularly in the context of revenge tragedy, where characters are often driven by the desire to avenge a wrongdoing, leading to a cycle of violence and moral questioning.
Villain: In theatre, a villain is a character who embodies evil or morally reprehensible qualities, often acting as an antagonist to the protagonist. These characters are crucial for creating conflict, driving the plot, and providing dramatic tension. The portrayal of villains often reflects societal fears and moral dilemmas, making them a central focus in various genres, particularly in revenge tragedy.