Oscar Wilde’s The Duchess of Padua, written in the late 19th century, is a play set in the latter half of the 16th century that explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the complexities of love and loyalty. The protagonist, Guido Ferranti, uncovers a dark truth about his lineage and becomes entangled in a web of murder and intrigue as he struggles with a desire for vengeance against those who wronged him and his father.
The play opens in the bustling marketplace of Padua, where Guido waits for a mysterious stranger with information about his father. During a conversation with his friend, Ascanio, Guido learns that he is the son of Duke Lorenzo, who was betrayed and murdered. The arrival of Count Moranzone, who reveals the truth behind the betrayal and stirs Guido’s thirst for revenge, sets the stage for the unfolding drama. Guido grapples with conflicting desires for revenge and love, questioning the morality of his actions while contemplating how his father’s death will shape his future.
The initial scenes establish a dynamic interplay of alliances and enmities among the characters, laying the groundwork for the dramatic events to come. Through this play, Wilde vividly portrays the complexity of human emotions and the moral dilemmas they entail.

THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY

Act I.
Act II.
Act III.
Act IV.
Act V.