Are readers meant to admire the Duchess or not?

I think we are meant to feel rather sorry for her. The Duchess really forgoes her identity, even her personal passions to become the perfect socialite host.

If we consider the Duchess as to be the tragic heroin in this play, then she might be considered as an admirable character. She is aware of her own destiny based on her actions, but she decided to follow her heart! Nevertheless, I agree with the previous comment, we must also feel sorry for her.