True Love Revealed from John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi

孙从众

John Websters The Duchess of Malfi describes a widow， Malfi， who marries Antonio secretly because of her powerful brothersopposition.Even though they have a tragic ending， their marriage is based on true love which could be revealed from Malfis braveness of expressing her love to Antonio， their determination of resolving obstacles together and their loyalty towards love till death.

I.Malfis braveness of expressing her love to Antonio

Above all， Malfi and Antonio belong to different social position respectively； however， the social class does not become a barrier between them owing to their true love.Though Malfi is a Duchess holding a high title in the society， she is brave enough to express her love to Antonio for the sake of her own happiness in the future.Malfis brothers have great power in the country and forbid their sister to be married again because they are hunger for her property after her death.As Ferdinand tells to Bosola that “I must confess， I had a hope， / Has she[Duchess of Malfi] continued widow， to have gained / An infinite mass of treasury by her death” （4.2.283-285）.Malfi clearly realizes her brothers purpose of opposing her marry again， but she never gives up pursing her true love no matter what kind of pressure she has to face.

When Antonio points out the hindrance between them are her brothers， Malfi replies to him that， “Do not think of them./ All discord， without this circumference， / Is only to be pitied and not feared” （1.1.469-471）.Malfi thinks that the true love is the most important thing for the lovers and does not care so much about others opinion to her marriage， especially for her brothers.More importantly， she expresses her sincere love to Antonio directly and gives him a ring as a token of their true love.She says to Antonio， “They say tis very sovereign.Twas my wedding ring， / And I did vow never to part with it / But to my second husband” （1.1.406-408）.Malfi does not hide her real love in her heart and shows her love to Antonio bravely even though she is a widow with high reputation as a duchess.Meanwhile， Antonio also loves Malfi deeply and uses a few metaphors to convey his love to Malfi.He tells Malfi that “That we may imitate the loving palms， / Best emblem of a peaceful marriage， / That nevr bore fruit divided” （1.1.486-488）.The palm trees are unable to reproduce and bear fruit alone and need to cross-pollinate with another.Antonio employs the palm tree to symbolize their close relationship as well as their true love.

II.Determination of resolving obstacles together

In addition， when Antonio and Malfi decide to be married， both of them have some preparation for obstacles after their secret marriage， which is witnessed by Cariola who is the Duchesss waiting-woman.Owing to their true love， they could face any difficulties or predicaments bravely rather than try to escape from the reality.When Malfi observes that her secret might have been discovered by her brothers， she takes the initiative in using an excuse to send Antonio away from her.She pretends that Antonio has stolen money from her and banishes him for the sake of his safety.

The scene of their departure is sad because they do not know when they could have a reunion again.The Duchess is unwilling to part his lover and claims that “The birds that live ith field / On the wild benefit of nature live / Happier than we； for they may choose their mates” （3.5.18-20）.The Duchess admires the birds which could have the right to choose a mate， which implies her deep love to Antonio.Although she cannot bear to see Antonios leave， she finally brings to her sense and uses a ruse with her wisdom immediately.They have to separate each other in such dangerous circumstances， however， their true love still connects them tightly in their heart and encourages themselves to be courageous when encounter precarious situation.

III.Their loyalty towards love till death

Finally， Malfi and Antonio have a tragic ending but their loyalty to each other does not change anymore till death.Their true love encourages them to face death peacefully and nobly because they know their tragic fates do not result of their personal faults.They would not regret of their decision of being married since their marriage is based on true love and they have three lovely children as a symbol of their happy marriage life.Taking Malfis behavior and attitude before her death as an example， she still maintains her dignity and never gives in her enemys threats and inducement.When Bosola intends to humiliate Malfi before her death， she replies him confidently that “Am not thy duchess？”， “I am Duchess of Malfi still” （4.2.131.138）.Even when executioners are going to strangle her， Malfi talks to them peacefully， “Pull， and pull strongly， for your able strength / Must pull down heaven upon me” （4.2.227-228）.

However， the only thing Malfi cannot forget is that her husbands safety even at the last minute of ceasing her breath.She whispers Antonios name quietly， which also moves Bosla who says to her， “Yes， madam， he[Antonio] is living” （5.1.354）.This event indicates how deep she loves Antonio and cares him more than her.

In conclusion， Malfi and Antonio love each other deeply even though they have a tragic ending.Their true love and the courage of facing any obstacles in their marriage life demonstrate that people need to make a decision for their marriage choice by themselves.The genuine love is the most precious part in the marriage for every person who falls in love with others.If people dream a happy marriage life， they have to make a wise marriage choice based on true love rather than other elements.

References：

[1]David M.Bevington.English Renaissance Drama： W.W Norton & Company.New York.2002.

[2]John Webster.The Duchess of Malfi： Manchester University Press.London.2009.