The White Devil and old wives' tales.
From: The Modern Language Review
|
Date: 4/1/1999
|
Author: Weil, Judith
Old wives were particularly visible and audible in the last Act of The White Devil by John Webster. The roles of Isabella and Cornelia have a precarious value similar to that found in old wives' tales. Contemptuous male characters mocked them as Furies, but the women resembled their prototypes in bringing disaster on those who corrupt family relationships. Webster links them with the powerful old wives from classical legends such as Hecuba and Juna.
This essay shows how the roles of Isabella and ...
COPYRIGHT 1999 Modern Humanities Research Association
This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.
For permission to reuse this article, contact Copyright Clearance Center.