DUCHESS: Diamonds are of most value,They say, that have past through most jewellers' hands.FERDINAND: Whores, by that rule, are precious.

Summary

In this quote from John Webster's play "The Duchess of Malfi," the Duchess and Ferdinand engage in a provocative dialogue. The Duchess implies that a diamond gains value by passing through multiple jewelers' hands, suggesting that its beauty and worth is enhanced through refining processes. Ferdinand, however, responds with a cynical parallel, insinuating that prostitutes can also be deemed precious based on the notion that they, too, have been handled and desired by numerous individuals. The exchange explores the theme of objectifying women and challenges the conventional standards of value placed on both material possessions and individuals.

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