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This 3 page paper is a character analysis of Ferdinand from "The Duchess of Malfi" and Goneril and Regan, eldest daughters of King Lear. Bibliography lists 2 sources.
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3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVFeReGo.rtf
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what they want. This paper analyzes these three characters. Discussion The common link among these three characters is strong sexuality, though it is perverse. Ferdinand is sexually attracted to the
Duchess, his sister; Regan and Goneril both fall in love with Edmund, who plays them off against each other in an attempt to marry one of them and get the
crown. They are passionate woman, both of them have sexual relationships with him, and they eventually fall victim to that passion. Naturally an incestuous love between brother and sister could
not be openly acknowledges on the stage at that time, so Webster hints at it. First, Ferdinand objects violently to the idea of the Duchess marrying again: "Shes a young
widow: / I would not have her marry again" (I.204). When Bosola replies "No, sir?" (meaning why not?) Ferdinand says, "Do not you ask the reason, but be satisfied /
I say I would not" (I.206). The suggestion of sexual attraction is further amplified in Ferdinands speech to the Duchess, which is loaded with references that can be taken as
sexual innuendo: he refers to his fathers poniard (dagger), a symbol of the penis; and he tells her to "... beware that part , which like the lamprey / Hath
never a bone int" (I.284). Again, the lamprey (a type of eel) and the reference to its bonelessness, is a reference to the penis. This is crude and the Duchess
calls him on it: "Fie, sir!" and he quickly backpedals, saying he meant the tongue; and leaves her, saying "Farewell, lusty widow" (I. 288). As the play goes on,
Ferdinand finds out that the Duchess has married Antonio, her steward, and borne him children; he is infuriated. He devises a series of tortures, both physical and mental, and carries
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