Post-Humanism Represented in The Duchess of Malfi

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the applications of Deleuzian and post-human thought in The Duchess of Malfi. In particular, Duchess in the paly is thought to be in a process of “becoming,” which follows a similar growth pattern to that of the rhizome. On the contrary, her brothers in patriarchy practice only the “copy without an original.” She engages in the process of rhizomatic repetition of Duchess’s simulation of princely power, appropriates the symbolic and ritual aspects of patriarchal oppression, and renegotiates her own identity. Therefore, the symbols of Ferdinand lead to lose its oppressive function. While she was dead biologically by Ferdinand, her body was so rhizomatic that her voice as an Echo proved her to be free from death. In conclusion, The Duchess of Malfi re-signifies signs and symbols of desire within patriarchy, reconstitutes their meanings, and establishes her presence divine and triumphant through post-human view.