The Renaissance was a period when theater, among other art forms, flourished in adolescence, when it went beyond the old traditional characteristics of the Middle Ages, and gradually evolved into what would later become known as modern history. Unlike the tragedies of previous eras – which relied heavily on a fatal flaw in the protagonists to lead them into perpetual torment – ​​Renaissance tragedies saw a great change in the complexity of a play's characters, as the period was heavily influenced by humanism. . The characters were no longer “flat” but “dynamic”, thus resembling those of real individuals more precisely than before. With such changes in characterization, themes and conflicts in the theater consequently underwent similar developments, moving from being clear and direct to thought-provoking and accessible. One of the thought-provoking and relevant themes found in The Duchess of Malfi is the concept of inferiority and its necessity to progress in society; a concept that can be identified and explored through the characters Bosola and Antonio.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. Bosola, cunning, disgruntled and vengeful, is the catalyst for the tragedies that befall the Duchess and her family. From the first act, Bosola is presented as an ex-criminal who expresses his frustration at the underestimation of his services. He finds it difficult to accept his lowly position given that he has done so much for his employers. He compares himself to a "soldier who risks his limbs in battle" and receives "nothing" in return, while "there are rewards for hawks and dogs when they have done us service." Even Antonio acknowledges Bosola's misfortune, declaring: "It is a real shame that he is neglected like this: I have heard that he is very valiant." This filthy melancholy will poison all his goodness…” which also lets readers and the public understand the future corruption that Bosola will embody. However, Bosola perseveres and is determined to "prosper somehow", even if it means having to degrade himself to a creature unworthy of honor and respect. When Ferdinand offers him gold and a better position in exchange for spying on the duchess, Bosola fervently refuses and proclaims that he would much rather kill than spy on a woman. Furthermore, this task would make him an “impudent traitor”; "a very picturesque invisible devil in flesh and blood." And yet, strangely, Bosola accepts this task – with some reluctance, it seems – which shows the extent to which this man is willing to demean himself in order to climb the social ladder. This is the first scene in the play that asks the question: "Does a 'preference' in the world require the admission of inferiority?" This scene is not unusual; nor does this question apply only to the era in which this piece was composed. Degrading oneself in some way – whether through humility or simple greed – in order to gain power and attain wealth, is and has always been a popular theme in literature and art throughout history. Obviously, Bosola's motivation for accepting the spy task is greed and ambition. On the other hand, Antonio presents a similar notion of inevitable subordination towards the Duchess but does so with all the admirable qualities of a good, loyal and humble servant. Antonio does not hide his admiration, his respect and his loyalty for the duchess. She is introduced into the play through her exaltations, as if she?