In John Webster's Jacobean tragedy, The White Devil, Lodovico is a disgraced Italian nobleman and Count who plays a significant role in the unfolding drama of vengeance and corruption.
Introduction to Lodovico
Lodovico is presented as a character defined by his past transgressions and present state of dishonor. He is not merely a background figure but a catalyst for much of the play's violent action, driven by personal vendettas and a mercenary nature.
Lodovico's Initial Character and Status
At the outset of The White Devil, Lodovico is introduced under a cloud of disgrace and punishment. His initial state is crucial to understanding his character and motivations throughout the play.
- Social Standing: He holds the title of a Count, indicating his noble birth, which contrasts sharply with his current degraded status.
- Moral Condition: He begins the play as a murderer and a drunkard, highlighting a severe lack of moral restraint and a tendency towards destructive behavior.
- Exile: Lodovico is in exile, having been "kicked out of Rome" by decree. This banishment is a direct consequence of his involvement in numerous scandals, suggesting a history of reckless and criminal conduct that became too much for the authorities to tolerate.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Count |
| Initial State | Murderer, Drunkard |
| Legal Status | In exile |
| Reason for Exile | Participation in "one too many scandals" and being "kicked out of Rome" |
His exile sets the stage for his re-entry into the play's central conflicts, often acting as an instrument of other characters' desires for revenge or power. Lodovico's character embodies the dark and violent undertones prevalent in Jacobean tragedies, reflecting themes of justice, corruption, and moral decay.
