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Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure, like a number of Shakespeare's plays, is an exploration of the use and abuse of power. Closely tied to the issue of power is morality, and in particular, sexual morality. Yet, even while issues of sexual conduct do a great deal to forward the plot, it may not be safe to say that Measure for Measure is a romantic comedy. Throughout the play, there is always the looming specter of death, which renders it, more or less, a tragicomedy or dark comedy. Claudio must die by Angelo's decree for simply anticipating, with fornication, the legalization of his marriage to Juliet. Ostensibly, only his sister, Isabella, can save his life by committing the crime, with Angelo, that her brother is accused of. Ultimately, it is not this relationship that saves her brother, but the one she forms with the disguised Duke. It is also this relationship that best reflects the message of the play.

It may be more accurate to say that relationship between Isabella and the Duke is the medium through which Shakespeare is able to impart a number of messages. The title of the play, stemming from the Sermon on the Mount in chapter 7 of Matthew, suggests an overall theme of: "judge not lest ye be judged." Through the outcome of their association with each other, the Duke and Isabella are able to impart this moral more clearly than any combination of other characters. Good or bad, everybody seems to get what they deserve, and this is only possible through the cooperation of Isabella and the Duke. In truth, neither of them are morally perfect or free from judging others; the purpose of the Duke's disguise is to test, observe, and manipulate others, and Isabella is rather harsh with her brother for bending the rules even though she does much the same thing to save him. Even so, they do seem to present the best balance, and are therefore the best example of humanity within the play.

It should seem only natural that Duke and Isabella...

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Measure for Measure. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 19:24, March 28, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1694051.html