The White Devil (Paperback, John Webster)

The White Devil is a Jacobean tragedy by John Webster that explores themes of corruption, vengeance, and the complexities of human nature. The play centers around the ambitious and morally ambiguous characters of Vittoria Corombona and her lover, the Duke of Brachiano, who are both entangled in a web of betrayal and murder. Vittoria is a beautiful and intelligent woman, whose marriage to the older, wealthy but less desirable Duke of Arianna is one of convenience rather than love. However, she falls in love with Brachiano, who, despite his own corrupt nature, is determined to marry her. The plot unfolds with political intrigue and violent action as Brachiano, in pursuit of his desires, conspires to murder his wife and clear the path for his union with Vittoria. The couple's affair leads to a series of murders, including that of Vittoria’s husband, and the play becomes a dark exploration of passion, betrayal, and moral decay. As the plot advances, the characters’ manipulations and the consequences of their actions create a web of retribution, leading to tragic and bloody ends for nearly all involved.