Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Description
Table of contents
Biographical note
Excerpt
User Reviews
The White Devil is a sensational tragedy written by John Webster, a prominent English playwright of the Jacobean era. It was first performed in 1612 and is an intense tragedy that delves into themes of corruption, deceit and revenge. Set in Italy, it tells the story of the Vittori family and their entanglement in a web of treachery and violence.
At the centre of the play is the character of Vittoria Corombona, a beautiful and cunning woman who becomes the object of desire for several men. Vittoria is married to Camillo, but she enters into an affair with Brachiano, the Duke of Florence. Their illicit relationship sets off a chain of events that leads to destruction and death.
The White Devil explores the dark side of human nature and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and desire. As the play progresses, the characters become consumed by their own passions and resort to grave sins such as manipulation, betrayal and murder. The title The White Devil refers to Vittoria, who is often portrayed as an enchanting but deadly figure, capable of manipulating those around her for her own gain.
The play is known for its complex and morally ambiguous characters, rich language and its exploration of the consequences of moral corruption. It raises questions about the nature of evil, the thin line between desire and destruction, and the ultimate price one pays for their choice and actions.
The play is a powerful and compelling work of Jacobean drama that continues to be studied and performed today. It offers a dark and intense examination of human nature, reminding us of the potential for evil that resides within us all and the devastating consequences it can bring.
The White Devil is a sensational tragedy written by John Webster, a prominent English playwright of the Jacobean era. It was first performed in 1612 and is an intense tragedy that delves into themes of corruption, deceit and revenge. Set in Italy, it tells the story of the Vittori family and their entanglement in a web of treachery and violence.
At the centre of the play is the character of Vittoria Corombona, a beautiful and cunning woman who becomes the object of desire for several men. Vittoria is married to Camillo, but she enters into an affair with Brachiano, the Duke of Florence. Their illicit relationship sets off a chain of events that leads to destruction and death.
The White Devil explores the dark side of human nature and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition and desire. As the play progresses, the characters become consumed by their own passions and resort to grave sins such as manipulation, betrayal and murder. The title The White Devil refers to Vittoria, who is often portrayed as an enchanting but deadly figure, capable of manipulating those around her for her own gain.
The play is known for its complex and morally ambiguous characters, rich language and its exploration of the consequences of moral corruption. It raises questions about the nature of evil, the thin line between desire and destruction, and the ultimate price one pays for their choice and actions.
The play is a powerful and compelling work of Jacobean drama that continues to be studied and performed today. It offers a dark and intense examination of human nature, reminding us of the potential for evil that resides within us all and the devastating consequences it can bring.
John Webster (c. 1580 - c. 1634) was an English playwright of the Jacobean era, known for his dark and intense dramas. While not much is known about Webster’s personal life, his works have left an indelible impression on English literature and are celebrated for their poetic language, intricate plotting and deep diving into human psychology.
Webster’s most famous play is The Duchess of Malfi (1614), a tragic tale of love, betrayal and revenge. Set in Italy, the play follows the Duchess, a strong-willed woman who defies societal norms by secretly marrying her steward. The story delves into themes of power, corruption and the consequences of defying social conventions. The Duchess of Malfi is known for its vivid characters, haunting settings and chilling scenes of violence.
Another notable work by Webster is The White Devil (1612), a tragedy inspired by real-life events. The play explores themes of sexual desire, jealousy and political intrigue, centred around the illicit relationship between Vittoria Corombona and her lover, Brachiano. The White Devil is praised for its multi-dimensional characters, sharp dialogue and moral ambiguity.
Webster’s plays are characterized by their macabre and sensational elements. His works often feature violence, madness and moral corruption, reflecting the darker aspects of human nature. He masterfully combines poetry and prose, creating powerful and evocative language that heightens the dramatic tension of his plays.
Although Webster’s career as a playwright was relatively brief, his works left a lasting impact on English drama. His plays challenged the conventions of his time, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on the Jacobean stage. Webster’s exploration of themes such as political intrigue and the destructive power of ambition paved the way for future generations of playwrights.
While Webster’s works fell into relative obscurity in the centuries that followed, they experienced a revival in the late 19th century when they were rediscovered and re-evaluated by scholars. Today, John Webster is recognized as one of the major playwrights of the Jacobean era, known for his dark, macabre dramas that delve into the depths of the human psyche. His works continue to be studied, performed and appreciated for their poetic language, complex characters and exploration of the human state of mind.
Books that Speak to us Across Time
Books have a magical and timeless appeal. They inform, educate and entertain us. We love and cherish the books we grow up with, and explore the fascinating world they present all through our lives.
Trove seeks to preserve the tradition of reading by publishing books from the past. It is a treasure chest of the most precious works across various genres. Our vision is to keep alive works that have stood the test of time and pass them on to the next generation of readers.
Readers can browse and purchase titles in the Trove collection, gleaned from the huge ocean of treasured writings in the public domain, and republished. What’s more, Trove books can be read on paper or screen as they are available in a variety of formats.
Trove goes to great lengths to recover and refurbish old content, so readers can discover them in all their glory. Some treasures are indeed found not in caves but between the covers of a book.
Also from Trove
1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
2. Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw
3. The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
4. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
5. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
6. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
8. A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man by James Joyce
9. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
10. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
11. Moby Dick or The Whale by Melville Herman
12. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
13. Animal Farm by George Orwell
14. Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne
15. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
16. She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith
17. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
18. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
19. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
20. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
Visit us: www.trovebooks.in
Phone: +91-72002 58368
The White Devil
by John Webster
Newgen Knowledge Works Offices
Chennai Pondicherry Pune Kottayam Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
Leipzig (Germany) Amsterdam (Netherlands) Stroud (UK) Texas (USA)
First published in 1612
This book has been inspired from the original version of The White Devil first published in 1612, available in the public domain. Due care and diligence have been taken while bringing out this edition; neither the author nor the publishers of the book hold any responsibility for any mistake that may have inadvertently crept in. The publishers shall not be liable for any direct, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of the book.
© Trove Books Edition, 2023
Paperback ISBN: 978-81-19376-25-4
eBook ISBN: 978-81-19376-70-4
WebPDF: 978-81-19376-49-0
Published by
Trove Books
Imprint of M/S Newgen KnowledgeWorks (P) Ltd
2/579, Singaravelan Street
Chinna Neelankarai
Chennai – 600 041
India
www.trovebooks.in
shop@trovebooks.in
Call: 91-72002 58368
