Jankowski, Theodora A. “Defining/Containing the Duchess: Negotiating the Female Body in John Webster's The Duchess of Malfi.” » Studies in Philology 87.2 (1990): 221-245. Theodora Jankowski's article argues that despite the Duchess's failure to create an "effective means by which she can rule as a female sovereign," she challenges "the views of Jacobean society" (Jankowski 222). concerning the representation of the female body and sexuality. The contradictions of the notion of a female ruler are explored in the way the Duchess is presented using her “natural body and her body politic” (222). Jankowski points out that instead of using her body's potential for power, the Duchess attempts to separate her natural body from her body politic, thereby separating her public and private lives. By keeping her second marriage and children private, she creates a triple position of wife, mother and ruler, and therefore becomes a threatening figure, particularly to her brother Ferdinand who views her private life as unacceptable and overly sexual. Jankowski explores the Duchess's journey from leader, wife, and mother to ultimately becoming a suffering martyr. She concludes that even though the Duchess refuses to unite her natural body and her body politic, the nature of her marriage is revolutionary and defies social customs and highlights her character in its subversive ideology with great power (244). This source appears highly credible due to its extensive use of cited documents and consideration of historical context. He references enough evidence to support his somewhat modern feminist argument by using sources that explore women's authority in this era, as well as referencing other scholars' perspectives on the issue. It is interesting to note that Erin E...... in the middle of the article ......ay spends a lot of time exploring the philosophies of the time, as well as generalities about the maternal nature of pregnant and female body. in a historical context, sometimes moving away from the literature in question. Although Ray references original sources and other scholars, his analysis sometimes lacks foundation, perhaps because of the generalizations he claims. As I mentioned, it's hard to disagree with Sid Ray's article. The maternal and pregnant duchess challenges male authority, often by claiming authority over her personal life, opposing the wishes of Ferdinand and the cardinal. In speaking in depth about the pregnant female body, Ray somewhat overlooks the fact that the Duchess's pregnant body is often disguised or hidden behind the scenes in her private life with Antonio, rather than in her public life as the principal authority in the duchy. by Malfi..