Final answer:
In English literature, the term 'Duchess' refers to a central female character who plays a significant role in a work of literature. The Duchess often drives the plot or shapes the themes of the work.
Step-by-step explanation:
In English literature, the term 'Duchess' is often used to refer to a central female character in a play, novel, or poem. The Duchess usually holds a significant role and her actions, decisions, or relationships drive the plot or shape the themes of the work. For example, in John Webster's play 'The Duchess of Malfi', the Duchess of Malfi herself is the central character who defies societal norms and struggles against the male-dominated society.
Examples:
- In Emily Brontë's novel 'Wuthering Heights', Catherine Earnshaw Linton, who later becomes known as Catherine Heathcliff, can be considered the Duchess of the story. Her love triangle with Heathcliff and Edgar Linton drives a significant portion of the plot.
- In Robert Browning's poem 'My Last Duchess', the Duke of Ferrara talks about his deceased wife, whom he refers to as the Duchess. Through his description of her and his attitude towards her, we learn about his possessive and controlling nature.
Understanding the central role of the Duchess in literary critique entails examining the character's significance, her impact on the narrative, and her influence on thematic development. While Christina Luckyj has not been specifically mentioned in the context of this question, she has contributed significantly to feminist readings and the understanding of female characters in early modern literature.
The Duchess, as depicted in works like John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi, is often central to the dramatic tension and themes of independence, power struggles, and gender dynamics.