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Act 3, Scene 4
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Passion, Lust, and Bloodlust
Desire vs. Duty
Injustice
Religious Piety vs. False Idols
Female Sexuality vs. Social Expectation
Summary
Analysis
Grimaldi enters, saying that if the doctor keeps his word, Soranzo will die before marrying Annabella. Grimaldi understands that his plot is not the most virtuous, but says that when merit cannot win, cunning must. Richardetto (still disguised as a doctor) enters and tells Grimaldi that Annabella and Soranzo are going to marry tonight in the Friar’s cell.
At this point, the plot begins to turn towards its more violent outcomes. Grimaldi, having lost the prospect of Annabella’s love, opts instead for the shedding of Soranzo’s blood in revenge for his disrespect earlier in the play.
Active
Themes
Richardetto tells Grimaldi to keep watch for the night and gives Grimaldi the poison. He tells Grimaldi to be quick and sure. Grimaldi assures Richardetto he will and exits. Richardetto is giddy with the prospect of getting revenge on Soranzo.
Richardetto is less than innocent in this plot, as he is using Grimaldi to get his own vengeance on Soranzo. But rather than being ruled by his passion, he makes a calculated move in sending Grimaldi in his place—a move that will shield him from any negative repercussions.
Active
Themes
Philotis enters. Richardetto asks her if she has made up her mind about marrying Bergetto. She says she has resolved to love him, and that he wants to marry tonight for fear that his uncle Donado will prevent the marriage. Richardetto says that they should go early to the Friar’s to be married.
Richardetto is not free from making mistakes. In his eager excitement over his daughter’s impending marriage to Bergetto and the acquisition of Donado’s wealth, he inadvertently sends Bergetto to his death.
Active
Themes
Bergetto and Poggio enter. Bergetto becomes preoccupied with kissing Philotis, describing how he has a “monstrous swelling” around his stomach. Richardetto says they should hurry, and that he’ll have plenty of chances to kiss her as well as bed her.
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