'Tis Pity She's a Whore

by

John Ford

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'Tis Pity She's a Whore: Act 4, Scene 2 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Richardetto and Philotis enter. Richardetto remarks that Hippolita died too soon, because he was not able to get his own revenge on her. But he acknowledges that his vengeance is not finished, as he wants to get revenge on Soranzo as well.
Though Richardetto also seeks revenge against other characters, the fact that he is not spurred on by emotions or passions—and that other people exact revenge before he does—demonstrates how those characters that are more level-headed are rewarded for their temperance.
Themes
Passion, Lust, and Bloodlust Theme Icon
Richardetto explains that already the marriage between Annabella and Soranzo is souring, as there are rumors that they fight and that she scorns his love. He suggests to Philotis that she become a nun and pray for her unhappy uncle. He says that any woman who dies a virgin lives as a saint on earth. She agrees to go.
Philotis, for her own part, is the only woman in the play that survives because she goes to a nunnery instead of marrying. Thus, the play also argues for women to lead lives not driven by lust, and rewards characters for Christian virtue and celibacy.
Themes
Passion, Lust, and Bloodlust Theme Icon
Female Sexuality vs. Social Expectation Theme Icon
Quotes