Thomas Middleton

Chronologer to the City of London in 1620

A changeling is either a child left by the fairies in exchange for one they take away or the child they take away itself.

The subplot is constructed to give an alternative perspective by treating a similar situation in a radically different way.

they are trapped in the same linguistic and dramatic framework

just how easy it is to step over the line that divides proper from improper behaviour, from the banal to the tragic, and just how destructive the unrestrained acting out of subconscious desires can be

Are you not well, sir?
ALSEMERO.
Yes, Jasperino.
Unless there be some hidden malady
Within me, that I understand not

the stoic
Was found in you long ago;

this smoke will bring forth fire

Tis scarce a well-govern’d state, I believe

I could show thee such a thing with an ingredient that we two would compound together, and if it did not tame the maddest blood i’ th’town for two hours after, I’ll ne’er profess physic again