Tis a Pity She's a Whore Literary Elements

Drama; tragedy

English

17th-century Parma, Italy

There is no singular narrator operative in the play.

Cynical, bleak, doomed

There is no clear protagonist or antagonist in the play. Characters are presented complexly so that audiences must choose whether to sympathize with them despite their flaws.

The central conflict in the play is that Annabella is being pursued by a handful of eligible men, but chooses to secretly carry on an incestuous relationship with her brother, Giovanni. When it is revealed that Annabella is pregnant, their clandestine relationship is discovered by the other characters.

The climax of the play occurs when Giovanni kills Annabella by stabbing her in the heart while they share a passionate kiss.

The Friar foreshadows the events of the play when he cautions Giovanni that the only thing that can come of his incestuous relationship is death.

Annabella and Giovanni speak about their relationship with understated language in order to portray it as natural and beautiful rather than sinful.

The play makes frequent reference to the Christian Bible, specifically to the concept of the Golden Cow and other false idols.

Important imagery in the play includes blood, the bodily humors, idolatry, and portraits of Hell.

The central paradox of the play is that, despite warnings from the Friar, Giovanni still pursues a relationship with his sister. This conflict showcases how Giovanni and Annabella are both so overwhelmed by their passions that they cannot think reasonably or morally.

Puttana and Vasquez are in many ways parallel characters, as their job is to serve and be loyal to other characters (Annabella and Soranzo, respectfully). Because she is a woman, Puttana ultimately suffers for her support of Annabella while Vasquez escapes unharmed.

Characters frequently personify their passions (notably lust and revenge) as false idols they wish to worship in place of God.

The most memorable dramatic device used in the play is the combined prop of the sword with Annabella's bloody heart on it, which Giovanni brings to Soranzo's birthday feast. This prop serves as a symbol of Giovanni and Annabella's relationship being both "dead" and out in the open for all to see.