Written by English playwright John Webster in 1612, The White Devil, a tragedy in five acts, tells a story of adultery, corruption, murder, and revenge among the wealthy and privileged “great men” and women of the Italian nobility. Webster based The White Devil on the sensational murder of a young Italian noblewoman, Vittoria Accoramboni, in 1585. When first performed at the Red Bull Theater, The White Devil was not a success. Webster blamed both the cold weather and the audience of “ignorant asses” for the play’s failure. The White Devil later enjoyed great acclaim, and along with Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi, is regarded as a masterpiece. Considered a revenge play, The White Devil demonstrates many of the conventions of the genre, including a theme of vengeance, use of the supernatural, a dumb show, characters in disguise, madness, and many violent murders. In addition to its focus on retribution, The White Devil also explores themes of misogyny, double standards, and the deceptive nature of appearances.

The White Devil by John Webster is praised for its intricate plot and dark exploration of corruption and revenge. Critics commend its powerful, provocative language and strong female protagonist. However, the play's complexity can be daunting, and its dense text may challenge modern readers. Overall, it remains a compelling classic of Jacobean tragedy.

Readers who enjoy The White Devil by John Webster appreciate dark, intricate revenge tragedies, filled with morally ambiguous characters and gothic elements. Similar to fans of Shakespeare's Macbeth or Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, they revel in complex political intrigue and psychological depth.

Dark / Mysterious / Unnerving / Melancholic / Gritty

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Act I

The White Devil Act I Summary & Analysis

Act II

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Act III

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Act IV

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Act V

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The White Devil

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