Setting Of The Duchess Of Malfi

The Duchess of Malfi takes place in Italy, during the 16th century. It begins in Malfi, or Amalfi, at the duchess’ court in the province of Salerno on the Western coast of Italy. The scene later changes to Ancona as well as Loretto, and interspersed throughout are scenes in Rome where Bosola reports to Ferdinand and the Cardinal. The play is believed to be set between the years 1504 and 1508, but spans several years as Antonio and the Duchess establish their family, all while keeping it a secret from her brothers. The setting of the play also coincides with the beginning, or early middle, of the Italian renaissance. At this time, Italy was divided into independent city states ruled by kings and princes, and strongly influenced by “merchant princes” such as the Medici. The merchant class, as shown by the reach of the …show more content…
This is seen in how her two brothers decide to control her, by dictating whether or not she can marry, as marriage carries significant financial and social effects. In the case of the duchess, a second marriage would mean that her two power hungry brothers would not inherit the funds and estate of her late husband. As a duke and a cardinal, respectively, the brothers enjoy a certain lifestyle and power that was almost unrivalled by any other profession or office of the time. The maintenance of such a lifestyle, especially in a time when wars and other disturbances could easily upheave the social order, constant vigilance and greed were essential in maintaining such a status. This could explain the brothers’ insatiable greed for the duchess’ money. Familial relations at the time also dictated that the females in the family remain subservient to the males, so technically the brothers were “caretakers” or at least in charge of the