A woman's position in the world is epitomized through the frequent use of misogynistic gendered slurs ‘whore’ and ‘strumpet’; Monticelso seeks conviction through arguments which attack Vittoria’s character. The persuasive device of hypophora in ‘Shall I expound whore to thee?’ indicates self-assurance in the cardinal’s questioning of the intentions of female sexuality. Misogyny is personified as Monticelso: he accuses women of manipulating men, as women must exploit their sexuality to advance their social status; however, this is more of a comment against their social system than an indictment of Vittoria, whom Francisco and Monticelso sacrifice to support their own overarching goal of revenge against Bracciano: women are commodities. Overblown…show more content… Frequent ironic allusions to Christianity, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, discredit representatives of the religion; the title in itself could be interpreted as a criticism of the Pope and the connection between church and state. Monticelso verbalises the natural consequences of immorality: ‘you know what whore is. Next the devil adultery, /Enters the devil murder’. His rapid escalation of adultery leading to murder contrasts Francisco who is more controlled and tactful, not needing to assert himself through words. An example of his cunning is the dismissal of the lawyer, a strategy used by Francisco to leave Vittoria at the full mercy of Monticelso. Through malapropisms and farcical language the character of the lawyer is a source of humour which undermines the seriousness of the trial, providing satire which suggests the proceedings are a mockery of justice. The nonsense words ‘diversivolent’ and ‘concatenation’ detract from the character’s legal credibility; humour adds a further depth and cynicism to the tragic
