There are many moments in Webster’s “Duchess of Malfi” where a handful of lines create a sort of foreshadowing for a later action in the play. A particularly interesting echo is near the end of Act I, scene i, just before the Duchess and Antonio wed. The two (though primarily the Duchess) are discussing death, and Antonio’s debts and obligations to the Duchess and Ferdinand. It is moments like this that truly make Webster’s play creepy, especially after looking back on the play (because, of course, looking back, one knows that the Duchess and Antonio are both murdered). Not only are Antonio and the Duchess standing beside her late husband’s tomb, but they are discussing death—all of which occurs just before they marry! What is most interesting is the Duchess’ use of the phrase “Quietus est.” (Act I, scene i, line 464) We discussed in class that this phrase is often pronounced over an individual’s tomb at his or her funeral. Yes, the Duchess is freeing Antonio from his debts (which is the literal translation of the phrase), but why would she choose to use a phrase so closely associated with death and funerals, just before the two wed? The use of this phrase is haunting in this instance because it is, essentially, the marriage of Antonio and Duchess that brings about their deaths. It is almost as if, in a superstitious way, it is because of the discussion of death (and most specifically, in my opinion, the use of “quietus est”) that the marriage begins (continues, and ends at death) in such an ominous, negative manner. This moment early in the play should also alert the audience of what is to come—that something strongly negative (most logically, death) should arise from this peculiar situation.