Act 3 Scene 2

Bosola praise of Antonio in Act 3 scene 2 was intriguing to me. His purpose remains to be a spy for the Cardinal and Ferdinand, and even though he sings true praises of Antonio to the Duchess, he is still in it for his "raise" as he calls it. He asks the Duchess "Can this ambitious age have so much goodness in't as to prefer a man merely for worth without these shadows of wealth and painted honors?"which is exactly what she, and any other romantic optimist in her situation, would want to hear and he uses it to get more information out of here. However, I would argue that Webster is also asking this question of the audience. Can this happen in society? I think even though it was completely against the culture of the time, some of the audience would hope so. The girl has found herself a guy of such great character that all love him until they hear that he has reached beyond his status. However Webster makes it so that this tale cannot end happily. I do not know if he is trying to dissuade people from secretly marring for love, which many people today still frown upon, or if he is trying to illustrate the absurdity of the Cardinal and Ferdinand's reactions to it. Either way, Bosola as the character who goes between the two parties is a good person to watch the argument of this issue. I am excited to see how this play will end...well, sadly, but what else will be said on the matter.