Bosola in Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi

John Webster was an English playwright from the early 17th century. He is most famous for his dark tragedies, especially The Duchess of Malfi. Webster wrote during the Jacobean period, a time when theatre often explored themes of corruption, power, and human weakness. The Duchess of Malfi is one of his most studied plays because of its tragic story and unforgettable characters.

Who is Bosola

In the play, Bosola is one of the most complex characters. He serves as a spy and assassin for the Duchess’s brothers, Cardinal and Ferdinand. His main motivation appears to be material rewards rather than loyalty or morality.

Although he works for powerful men, Bosola is never truly respected by them. They use him for their dirty work but do not treat him as an equal. This shows his low position in the social order and explains why he is often bitter about his life.

His Role

Bosola is always unhappy with the rewards he receives and often resents the tasks he is asked to do. He complains about being underpaid and undervalued, yet he continues working for the brothers because he has no secure place in society. His constant struggle between wanting money and feeling guilty about how he earns it makes him both tragic and conflicted.

This inner conflict is what makes Bosola stand out as more than just a villain. He often reflects on morality and criticises the actions he is forced to commit, which shows that he understands the difference between right and wrong but feels trapped in his role.

How Others See Him

Antonio describes Bosola as the only court gall, meaning he is like a sore that constantly irritates the court. He points out corruption, foolishness, and moral decay around him, yet he cannot separate himself from it. This contradiction makes him both a critic of society and a part of its corruption.

Concluding the Character of Bosola

Through Bosola, Webster shows how individuals can be torn between personal survival and moral choices. Bosola’s role reminds the audience that even those who seem corrupt may also see the truth and struggle with it, which makes him one of the most memorable characters in the play.

References

Pacheco An & Johnson Da (eds) 2010, 'The Renaissance and Long Eighteenth Century', London.