How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
DUKE
Duchess, it is your youngest son: we're sorry,
His violent act has e'en drawn blood of honour
And stained our honours,
Thrown ink upon the forehead of our state
Which envious spirits will dip their pens into
After our death, and blot us in our tombs.
For that which would seem treason in our lives
Is laughter when we're dead; who dares now whisper
That dares not then speak out, and e'en proclaim
With loud words and broad pens our closest shame.(1.2.1-10)
The Duke may not be above a little secret poisoning here and there, but he can see that violence in public is bad for his family's reputation. Do concerns about reputation have any effect in stopping violence in the play?
Quote #8
DUCHESS
Was ever known step-duchess was so mild,
And calm as I? Some now would plot his death
With easy doctors, those loose-living men,
And make his withered grace fall to his grave,
And keep church better?
Some second wife would do this, and dispatch
Her double-loathed lord at meat and sleep.(1.2.106-112)
The Duchess thinks she's pretty great because she's decided not to kill the Duke, like some second wives would. Isn't that nice of her? It's a measure of how violent the play is that she does seem less terrible than the other characters, since her revenge stops short of murder.
Quote #9
AMBITIOSO
A murrain meet 'em, there's none of these wiles that ever come to good. I see now, there is nothing sure in mortality, but mortality. Well, no more words; shalt be revenged, i'faith. Come, throw off clouds now, brother: think of vengeance,
And deeper settled hate.(3.6.113-118)
Ambitioso is reacting to the realization that the plot to kill Lussurioso and rescue Junior has accidentally resulted in Junior's death while Lussurioso goes free. Oops. This would be a perfect time for Ambitioso to swear off scheming and rethink his life a bit, but what conclusion does he come to? More revenge. Some people never learn, we guess.