The Duchess of Malfi Act 5, Scene 3 Summary

  • Delio and Antonio look down on the Cardinal's palace, which Antonio plans to infiltrate tonight so he can confront the Cardinal.
  • In the midst of the ruins where they're standing, there's an echo that sounds like the Duchess's voice, which ominously repeats some of what Antonio's saying.
  • Antonio still doesn't know that the Duchess and his other kids are dead, and wonders if they're sleeping, or if he'll ever see him again. At this point you should be crying.
  • He resolves to risk everything on a confrontation with the Cardinal, and Delio promises to have his back and bring along Antonio's eldest son, hoping that the sight of his nephew may put the Cardinal in a merciful mood. Fat chance.