Doctor Faustus (Marlowe)

The duchess is the only female speaking in the whole play of doctor faustus, why ?

In marlowe's time female parts were played by boys or young men and the audience would have to use their imagination . what does marlowe do with language to make this effective ?

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Last updated by Aslan
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The duchess is such a small role in this play. She is pregnant and Faustus produces grapes that are not in season. I think Marlow’s lack of female roles addresses your question more than the duchess herself. The few women characters that exist are objectified rather than defined. I’m really not sure we can read anything more into the duchess.  

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