The Duchess of Malfi
by John Webster
16. What reasons do Ferdinand and Cardinal put forth against the Duchess' second marriage?
Ans: The reasons that Ferdinand and Cardinal put forth against the Duchess' second marriage are given below:
i. She is a widow.
ii. She possesses royal blood and has responsibilities towards her rank.
iii. Her second marriage shows her lechery.
17. Why does Ferdinand compare the court of the Duchess to pasture land?
Ans: Ferdinand compares the court of the Duchess to pasture land because her court is full of temptation, and it is a place of sex indulgences.
18. Why does Ferdinand visit the Duchess in a dark room?
Ans: Ferdinand visits the Duchess in a dark room to meet her without seeing her as he had vowed never to see her again.
19. Why does Ferdinand show the Duchess his father's dagger?
Ans: Ferdinand shows the Duchess his father's dagger to exert the power that a patriarch typically held over his family.
20. Why did Cardinal and Ferdinand not want their sister to get married with Antonio?
Ans: Cardinal and Ferdinand did not want their sister to get married with Antonio because they wanted to control her and exploit her property.
21. Why is the Duchess forced to take the initiative in courting?
Ans: The Duchess is forced to take the initiative in courting because a man like Antonio is not supposed to have the guts to offer the Duchess.
22. Who witnesses the Duchess’ re-marriage? ? [NU 2017]
Ans: Cariola witnesses the Duchess’ remarriage.
23. What had the Duchess vowed about the ring?
Ans: The Duchess vowed not to give the ring to anybody except to her second husband.
24. Why, according to the Duchess, high born ladies are in an unfortunate position?
Ans: High-born ladies are in an unfortunate position in the matter of love making. Society imposes upon them many restrictions which they cannot violate.
25. To which did Antonio compare a king’s court?
Ans: Antonio compares a king’s court to a fountain.
26. What did Bosola do for the Cardinal?
Ans: Bosola committed a notorious murder for the Cardinal.
27. How does Bosola get the horoscope of the child?
Ans: After his fight with Bosola, Antonio flees dropping the horoscope of the child by mistake and then Bosola gets it.
28. What is apricot and why was it given to the Duchess?
Ans: Apricot is a sort of fruit. Bosola gives the Duchess some apricots to be sure whether she is pregnant or not.
29. Why did Bosola give some apricots to the Duchess? [NU 2013, 2016]
Ans: Bosola gave some apricots to the Duchess to be sure whether she was pregnant or not.
30. How many children did the Duchess give birth to?
Ans: Duchess gave birth to three children with Antonio.
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