'There's scarce a thing but is both loved and loathed': "The Changeling" I.i.91-129

Abstract

One of the most striking occurrences in the early scenes of Middleton and Rowley's "The Changeling" is Beatrice's extraordinarily vehement reaction to her father's servant, De Flores. The predominant point of Beatrice's speech appears to be that she wants to make it abundantly plain to De Flores that his presence is not welcome to her. In this article, the authors explore just why he is so unwelcome. For instance, consciously, Alsemero displays sexual love towards Beatrice while unconsciously he is afraid of her, or at least of her sexual impact. With Beatrice's feelings for De Flores matters are the other way round. Again, sex is `both loved and loathed'. She loathes De Flores at a conscious level, as her speeches in this scene have made very plain. But unconsciously she desires him.