The Duchess of Malfi: a psychoanalytical interpretation

             Psychoanalytical criticism is a form of literary analysis which allows the analyst to apply certain techniques and procedures from the discipline of psychoanalysis in the examination and interpretation of literary texts. Its major ideas, developed profoundly by Sigmund Freud during the early part of the 20th Century, rely upon the concept of an unconscious part of the human mind, beyond consciousness yet extremely influential regarding our conscious behaviour. Befitting to certain facets of psychoanalytical critique is that of feminism. Its Feminism is a social theory and political movement originating from a belief in the principle that rights, privilege, social standing and responsibilities should not be determined by gender.
             Feminist theory aims to understand the nature of inequality and focuses on gender politics, power relations and sexuality. One could also adopt certain aspects of feminist theory when analysing a literary text, identifying particular issues and conflicts within the texts that adhere to the disparities within our supposedly patriarchal society.
             The Duchess of Malfi, written by John Webster and first published in 1623 portrays the heartache of forbidden love, the question of personal liberty, and the politics of sex. The newly-widowed Duchess of Malfi is forbidden by her brothers Ferdinand and the Cardinal to remarry. However, In love with Antonio, the Duchess secretly weds and bores three secret children. In the following essay I shall attempt to examine and scrutinize the play whilst adopting both a psychoanalytical and feminist point of view, identifying key topics and concerns within the play as consequences of issues examined within the two fields of interpretation.
             When analysing The Duchess of Malfi from a psychoanalytical or feminist perspective, it may seem suitable to focus primarily on the complex relationship between the Duchess and Ferdinand. However, mere acknowledgement of the incestuous unde...

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