SOURCE: "Webster as a Dramatic Poet," in John Webster: A Critical Study, The Hogarth Press, 1951, pp. 90-119.
In the following excerpt, Leech examines how the behavioral inconsistencies and motivational inadequacies of Webster's characters appear to adversely affect "the scene-unit and …momentary dramatic effect" of the dramatist's collaborative efforts. The critic contrasts Webster's later works with the more consistent composition of The Duchess of Malfi and The White Devil and concludes that although uneven, his "unequal masterpieces" are redeemed in performance.
This is a free excerpt of 80 words. There are 8,181 words (approx.
27 pages at 300 words per page) in the full critical essay.
Read the rest of this Criticism with our John Webster 1580(?)–1634(?): Critical Essay by Clifford Leech Access Pass.
