A Woman Killed With Kindness

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence, death, gender discrimination, rape, sexual harassment, death by suicide, and suicidal ideation.

“ANNE. I would your praise could find a fitter theme

Than my imperfect beauty to speak on!

Such as they be, if they my husband please

They suffice me now I am married.

This sweet content is like a flattering glass,

To make my face seem fairer to mine eye;

But the least wrinkle from his stormy brow

Will blast the roses in my cheeks that grow.”

Several elements of this passage highlight the portrayal of femininity in Heywood’s play, developing the theme of Marriage and Gender Roles in a Patriarchal Society. First, Anne disparages her own appearance, calling it “imperfect,” which displays modesty, a trait women were expected to have. The second is Anne’s assertion that her charms are only worthwhile insofar as they help her find and please a husband, implying that this is the ultimate object of her existence. Finally, her remark that her husband’s “stormy brow” can dispel all her happiness and even vitality implies “proper” wifely subservience.

“SIR CHARLES. My God, what have I done! What have I done!

My rage hath plunged into a sea of blood,

In which my soul lies drowned. Poor innocents,

For whom we are to answer! Well, ‘tis done,

When I would give this right hand, nay, this head,

To breathe in them new life whom I have slain!—

Forgive me, God! ‘Twas in the heat of blood,

And anger quite removes me from myself.

It was not I, but rage, did this vile murder;

Yet I, and not my rage, must answer it.”

Charles’s speech after the brawl develops the theme of Social Judgment, Legal Consequences, and Moral Regulation by suggesting that he was controlled by his emotions rather than in control of them: Charles says that while his “rage” killed the men, he will be prosecuted for the crime. Key to both plots is the idea that people cannot allow their base desires to determine their behavior, as Charles finds out firsthand. What separates Wendoll and Charles is the final line, in which Charles takes responsibility for his actions rather than fleeing them.