"The Duchess of Malfi" by John Webster follows the story of an upper class, dysfunctional family who resort to torture, deception and murder in order to gain what they desire, whether it be love or social standing. Written in the renaissance, "The Duchess of Malfi" is considered Webster's "masterpiece" and is charactersitic of Jacobean drama. It explores the ideas of corruption within the high places of state and church. Set in Italy, it highlights common misconceptions regarding the country as a place full of vice and villainy.

Two of the central characters within the play are Ferdinand and the cardinal. Ferdinand, is the twin brother of the Duchess. He is as emotional as his brother, yet he displays his feeling in a different way to the Cardinal's cold reaction. Ferdinand's motivation is questionable, we have heard him use language informed by sex. This can be perceived as his...