The White Devil: By John Webster (Revels Student Editions) - Softcover

Brown, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719043557 ISBN 13: 9780719043550

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 1996

Synopsis

In this study of sexual and political intrigue, a fascinating but dangerous woman consents to the murder of her ineffectual husband. Her defence against the charge of adultery transforms the lurid tale of crime into high tragedy.

A compellingly dangerous and fascinating play with a comprehensive set of notes and criticism.

About this title

About the Author:

Anne Brown is a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Queensland where she is part of an interdisciplinary team working on emerging issues in conflict resolution

Review:

Tragedy in five acts by John Webster, performed and published as The White Divel in 1612. Based on historical events that occurred in Italy during the 1580s, this dark Jacobean drama is considered one of the finest of the period. The White Devil centers on the love affair between the Duke of Brachiano and Vittoria Corombona, two of the play's many unscrupulous characters. Despite her role as a vicious heroine, Vittoria elicits sympathy in her attempt to endure a deeply corrupt society. In The White Devil both evil and good characters are drawn into schemes involving political intrigue, adulterous desire, and bloody revenge. Criticized for its plot construction, the play is noted for its characterizations and use of dramatic tension and physical horror. -- The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature

About this edition

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0719043557
• ISBN 13: 9780719043550
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224