Description
By: John Webster (1580-1634)
The White Devil by John Webster is a dark and twisted play filled with intrigue, betrayal, and revenge. Set in Renaissance Italy, the story follows the scheming Vittoria Corombona as she navigates the treacherous waters of power and politics. The characters are complex and morally ambiguous, keeping the reader on their toes as they try to anticipate each new twist and turn.
Webster’s writing is sharp and powerful, drawing the reader into a world of corruption and moral decay. The dialogue crackles with tension and wit, making for a thrilling read from start to finish. The play’s themes of jealousy, power struggles, and the consequences of unchecked ambition still resonate today, making it a timeless classic of English literature.
Overall, The White Devil is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will leave readers pondering the nature of good and evil long after they have turned the final page. Highly recommended for fans of dark drama and complex character studies.
Book Description:
John Webster’s The White Devil (1612) is a Jacobean revenge tragedy, replete with adultery, murder, ghosts, and violence. The Duke of Brachiano and Vittoria Corombona decide to kill their spouses, Isabella and Camillo, in order to be together, aided by the crafty and ambitious Flamineo, Vittoria’s brother. Their actions prompt vows of revenge from Isabella’s brother Francisco, the Duke of Florence, and Count Lodovico, who was secretly in love with her. The title refers to the early modern proverb that “the white devil is worse than the black,” indicating the hypocrisy practiced by many of the characters in the play.
