The Revenger’s Tragedy: Tone 1 key example

The Revenger's Tragedy is defined by the cynical, world-weary tone that pervades the entire play. One of the most prominent objects of the play’s cuttingly cynical perspective is the moral corruption of characters drawn from all levels of courtly society. With very few exceptions, characters are generally depicted as morally bankrupt, driven by self-interest, and largely devoid of any ethical principles whatsoever. Their actions and choices reflect the play’s cynical and misanthropic view of human nature, suggesting that most people are motivated by base desires such as greed and lust. Besides Castiza and perhaps Antonio, the play offers no clear representative of virtue who might offer relief from, or a contrast to, the play’s unrelenting portrayal of immorality and decadence.