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Webster & Tourneur

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About this book

"Webster & Tourneur" by John Webster and Cyril Tourneur is a collection of dramatic works written during the early 17th century. This edition includes notable plays such as "The White Devil," "The Duchess of Malfi," "The Atheist's Tragedy," and "The Revenger's Tragedy," showcasing the tragedies and themes characteristic of the period. The plays largely explore themes of ambition, revenge, and moral corruption, often set against the backdrop of dark societal elements. At the start of this collection, the text gives an overview of the Globe Theatre and the works of Webster and Tourneur, setting the stage for their intense explorations of the human experience. It presents a rich historical context and delves into a detailed examination of the playwrights' techniques, drawing comparisons between their styles and contributions to the "Tragedy of Blood." It highlights the principal themes of their works, such as jealousy, betrayal, and tragic downfall, as indicated through characters like Vittoria Corombona and Duke Brachiano in "The White Devil," where vengeance and moral complexity drive the narrative from the very first scenes. This introduction provides readers with a foundation for understanding the intricate plots and the psychologically charged landscapes of the plays to follow.
Language
English
Publisher
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Unknown
Downloads
399

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A clearer way to understand Webster & Tourneur through themes, characters, and key ideas

This reading guide highlights what stands out in Webster & Tourneur through 4 core themes, 4 character profiles. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.

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About this book

A quick AI guide to “Webster & Tourneur

Get the shape of the book before you commit: what it is about, what mood it carries, and what ideas readers tend to stay with afterward.

~20h readadvanceddarktragicintense

What the book is doing

This collection, "Webster & Tourneur," compiles seminal Jacobean revenge tragedies, primarily featuring John Webster's "The White Devil" and "The Duchess of Malfi," alongside Cyril Tourneur's "The Atheist's Tragedy" and "The Revenger's Tragedy." These plays delve into a dark world of moral corruption, ambition, and relentless vengeance, often culminating in spectacular and bloody downfalls. The edition provides crucial historical context regarding the Globe Theatre and the playwrights' techniques, highlighting their contributions to the 'Tragedy of Blood' genre. It explores complex psychological landscapes, where characters grapple with jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences of their morally ambiguous choices, offering a profound and often cynical commentary on human nature and societal decay.

Key Themes

Revenge and Justice

Revenge is the central driving force in most of these plays, often presented as a convoluted, self-perpetuating cycle rather than a clear path to justice. Characters are consumed by the desire for retribution, leading to increasingly elaborate and violent schemes that blur the lines between victim and perpetrator. The plays question the efficacy and morality of personal vengeance, often demonstrating how it corrupts the avenger and leads to widespread destruction.

Moral Corruption and Decadence

The plays vividly portray a society steeped in moral decay, particularly within aristocratic courts. Characters are driven by lust, greed, ambition, and envy, leading to a pervasive atmosphere of deceit, betrayal, and murder. Corruption is not merely individual but institutional, infecting the highest echelons of power and creating a world where virtue is often punished and vice rewarded.

A line worth noting
I am Duchess of Malfi still.
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How do Webster and Tourneur use violence, both physical and psychological, to achieve their dramatic and thematic goals?

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