The Revenger's Tragedy Gender Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #1

VINDICE
Sister, y'have sentenced most direct, and true;
The law's a woman, and would she were you.

(1.1.122-123)

Castiza thinks Junior deserves to die for raping Antonio's wife, and here, Vindice not only praises his sister's judgment, he also describes law itself as a woman. Maybe Middleton wouldn't flunk Women's Studies after all.

Quote #2

VINDICE
I'faith then father, thou wast wise indeed,
'Wives are but made to go to bed and feed.'

(1.1.145-146)

Then again, Middleton might be headed for that fail in Women's Studies. Here, Vindice praises his father's decision not to confide in his mother about many things, which is a pretty glum view of women for a man who was praising his sister's judgment a few lines ago.

Quote #3

JUDGE
That lady's name has spread such a fair wing
Over all Italy, that if our tongues
Were sparing toward the fact, judgement itself
Would be condemned and suffer in men's thoughts.

(1.2.60-63)

Apparently women can get some leverage in public opinion, at least. On the other hand, that's not much good when you're dead.