Book excerpt: The reputation of Webster and Ford is based on a handful of tragedies which display extreme situations and emotional intensity. Productions since 1945 have helped to vindicate the enthusiastic judgement of 19th-century Romantic critics and demonstrated that these plays retain their capacity to disturb audiences, arousing strong responses of both horror and pity. The author outlines the careers of both dramatists and illuminates the Jacobean and Caroline theatre contexts. It includes a detailed analysis of six plays, emphasizing their emotional power and theatrical effectiveness, and makes frequent references to modern performances. The plays considered include The White Devil, The Duchess of Malfi and 'Tis Pity She's a Whore.