Measure for Measure: A Review
William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure is often regarded as one of his “problem plays,” a category that includes works which blend elements of comedy, tragedy, and social commentary. First performed in 1604, Measure for Measure delves into themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human nature. Set in Vienna, the play unfolds against a backdrop of political corruption, power struggles, and societal issues, with characters whose virtues and vices are constantly tested. Through a series of trials, the play challenges our understanding of right and wrong, providing a fascinating and morally ambiguous experience.
In this review, we will explore the plot, themes, and key characters of Measure for Measure, along with an analysis of its most famous lines that continue to resonate with audiences today.
The Plot
The play opens with Duke Vincentio, the ruler of Vienna, who is disillusioned by the moral decay in his city. He decides to temporarily leave the throne and entrusts the governance to his deputy, Angelo. The Duke, in disguise as a friar, stays in the city to observe Angelo’s rule and to see how justice is administered.
Angelo, a strict and self-righteous man, immediately begins to enforce Vienna’s long-neglected laws, most notably the anti-fornication statute. Claudio, a young man who has impregnated his fiancée, Juliet, is arrested and sentenced to death for this crime. His sister, Isabella, a novice nun, pleads for his life before Angelo. Angelo, however, is unmoved by her plea, and despite his outward appearance of virtue, he makes a disgraceful proposition: he will spare Claudio’s life if Isabella agrees to sleep with him.
Isabella is appalled by Angelo’s offer, but she is caught in a moral dilemma. In her efforts to protect her brother, she seeks the Duke’s advice, unaware that he is the one secretly observing the situation. The Duke devises a plan to save both Claudio and Isabella. He arranges for a substitute to take Isabella’s place in Angelo’s bed while ensuring that Angelo is held accountable for his actions. Meanwhile, the Duke works behind the scenes to expose the corruption in his government and restore order to Vienna.
The play culminates in a series of dramatic confrontations, including a public trial where Angelo’s hypocrisy is revealed. In the end, the Duke proposes marriage to Isabella, offering a conclusion that blends justice with mercy.
Key Themes
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Justice and Mercy: The central theme of Measure for Measure is the tension between justice and mercy. Angelo’s rigid enforcement of the law contrasts sharply with the Duke’s more compassionate approach. While Angelo believes in the strict application of justice, the Duke recognizes the complexity of human nature and the importance of mercy in governance. In one of the play’s most famous lines, the Duke speaks about the balance between justice and mercy:
“The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: it blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” (Act 4, Scene 1)
This line encapsulates the Duke’s philosophy that mercy should be freely given, as it not only benefits the one who receives it but also the one who offers it. It also highlights the idea that mercy should not be coerced or forced but rather flow naturally from a place of compassion.
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Corruption and Hypocrisy: The play explores the theme of corruption, particularly the hypocrisy of those in power. Angelo’s character is central to this theme, as he presents himself as morally upright and virtuous, but his actions reveal his true nature. He attempts to enforce a strict moral code on others while secretly indulging in his own vices. His actions highlight the dangers of power and the human tendency to abuse it. In Act 2, Scene 2, when Angelo is tempted by Isabella, he says:
“Give me your hand and say you will be mine, and it shall be mine; and if you will not, I’ll be in the same place as you. What is it you’ll do?”
His words betray his own hypocrisy—he claims to be a moral leader while secretly trying to manipulate Isabella into compromising her own values.
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Sexual Morality: The play also tackles issues of sexual morality, particularly the social consequences of sexual transgressions. The fact that Claudio’s life is threatened for the crime of fornication illustrates the harshness of the laws that regulate sexual behavior. The play raises important questions about the fairness of such laws and the ways in which sexual morality is often enforced disproportionately, especially on women. Isabella’s virginity becomes a symbol of purity and righteousness, but it is also used as a bargaining chip in the power struggles that define the plot. In Act 2, Scene 4, Isabella reflects on her plight:
“I had rather give my body up to the use of that sin, which is free of all harm, than give it up to the hands of the man that I love.”
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Power and Authority: Measure for Measure also examines the nature of power and the responsibility that comes with it. The Duke’s decision to step down and let Angelo govern is an important moment in the play, as it allows him to observe firsthand the challenges of leadership. The Duke’s disguise as a friar allows him to manipulate events without revealing his true identity, and through this deception, he is able to bring about justice. However, the Duke’s actions also raise questions about the limits of power and whether it is justifiable to deceive others for the greater good.
The Characters
Measure for Measure features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the exploration of the play’s themes.
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Duke Vincentio: The Duke is a complex figure who, while initially appearing weak and indecisive, ultimately reveals himself to be a wise and just ruler. His decision to leave the throne and observe the situation in disguise allows him to intervene at the right moments and correct the wrongs committed by those in power.
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Angelo: Angelo represents the danger of moral absolutism. He is strict, unyielding, and obsessed with punishing vice, yet his own moral failings are exposed when he succumbs to temptation. His hypocrisy is one of the driving forces of the play, and his downfall serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked authority.
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Isabella: Isabella’s character embodies purity and righteousness, but she is also placed in a morally complex situation. Her struggle to protect her brother while preserving her virtue makes her one of the most sympathetic and morally admirable characters in the play.
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Claudio: Claudio is the young man whose crime sets the events of the play in motion. Though he is sentenced to death for his actions, he is portrayed as a victim of a harsh legal system rather than a malicious wrongdoer.
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Lucio: Lucio is a witty and often irreverent character who provides comic relief throughout the play. However, his lighthearted demeanor belies a deeper cynicism about the world around him. In Act 1, Scene 2, Lucio makes a famous comment about Angelo:
“He’s a coward who will not do what he’s told.”
This line highlights Lucio’s playful skepticism about authority and his tendency to mock those in power.
Famous Lines and Their Significance
One of the most memorable aspects of Measure for Measure is its rich language, which includes numerous famous lines that have become ingrained in the cultural lexicon. Some of the most notable quotes from the play include:
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“The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept.” (Act 1, Scene 3)
This line, spoken by the Duke, highlights the idea that the law can be dormant or forgotten but is never truly gone. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of justice and the need to renew and enforce laws that may have been ignored.
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“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.” (Act 1, Scene 4)
This line, spoken by Lucio, serves as a reminder of the self-sabotaging nature of doubt. It encourages the audience to take action rather than be paralyzed by fear and uncertainty.
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“Be absolute for death: either death or life shall be the sweeter.” (Act 3, Scene 1)
Isabella speaks this line as she contemplates the possibility of sacrificing her virtue for her brother’s life. It encapsulates the play’s exploration of the choices individuals must make in times of moral crisis.
Conclusion
Measure for Measure is a timeless work that continues to provoke thought and discussion. Shakespeare’s exploration of justice, morality, and power is as relevant today as it was in the early 17th century. Through its intricate plot, complex characters, and unforgettable lines, the play invites audiences to reflect on the nature of human behavior, the consequences of power, and the importance of mercy. As the Duke himself reminds us:
“Give me your hand and say you will be mine, and it shall be mine.”
Whether we are grappling with questions of justice or trying to understand our own moral compass, Measure for Measure challenges us to reconsider the balance between law and mercy in our own lives.
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