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Webster & Tourneur

Written by John Webster,Cyril Tourneur

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English drama

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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.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Webster & Tourneur, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 20 hours
  • advanced
  • dark
  • tragic
  • intense

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.

“I am Duchess of Malfi still.”

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.
Ambition and Power
Ambition is a powerful, often destructive, motivator for many characters. It drives them to commit heinous acts, betray loved ones, and sacrifice their morality for social advancement, political influence, or personal gain. The plays illustrate how the pursuit of power can corrupt the soul and lead to isolation and ultimate downfall, regardless of initial intentions.

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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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