The Status of Women in Renaissance Drama: An Analytical and Critical Study of Elizabeth Cary’s The Tragedy of Mariam (1613), and John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi (1612)

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyze two plays, Elizabeth Cary’s The Tragedy of Mariam (1613), and John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi (1612). It focuses on main characters in these works which compares and contrasts between them. These plays were selected to highlight issues related to Renaissance women such as marriage, feminism, misogynist, silence, and obedience. This analysis shows the tyranny of the husband against women, and their revolution against their social status. The outcome of this analysis endeavors to present new kind of heroines who want to change the traditional stereotype about women. Special attempt is given to propose feminist explanations for these characters.