Ford's play can be read as a commentary on the corruption of the court and courtiers of his time. Analyze the play's themes and characters in the context of late-Renaissance history. What do you believe Ford is saying about the politics of early-seventeenth century Britain? About contemporary kingship? Love? Ethics?

While it seems to some readers that Giovanni and Annabella freely choose to consummate their incestuous love, others believe—as does Giovanni himself—that they are fated to do so. Do you believe the lovers actions to be the result of free will or determinism? Cite evidence from the play to support your position.

While some may condemn the lovers' actions, it is possible to partially sympathize with their plight. After all, they seem to exist in a world without ethical values: family, court, and church seem corrupt and greedy. In a...