What condition does Angelo offer to Isabella to pardon Claudio’s life?
Measure for Measure is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Measure for Measure.
Answer
What condition does Angelo offer to Isabella to pardon Claudio’s life? (2018, 2016) ✪✪✪
In “Measure for Measure” (1623), Isabella’s meeting with Angelo in Act 2, Scene 4, becomes the turning point of the play. Angelo, the strict deputy, shocks everyone by making a sinful proposal. He promises to save Claudio’s life only if Isabella gives up her chastity.
Angelo’s Hidden Desire: Angelo’s lust for Isabella begins soon after meeting her. Though he looks pious and cold, his heart burns with passion. He says to himself,
“When I would pray and think, I think and pray
To several subjects.”
His words show inner conflict. The man who punishes others for sin now secretly desires to commit the same one.
The Shocking Proposal: When Isabella pleads for her brother’s life, Angelo puts a cruel choice before her. He says,
“Redeem thy brother by yielding up thy body to my will.”
His condition means she must surrender her virginity to him. This is his shameful bargain: Claudio will live only if Isabella loses her honour.
Isabella’s Firm Refusal: Isabella bravely rejects his condition. She cries,
“Better it were a brother died at once
Than that a sister, by redeeming him,
Should die forever.”
She chooses purity over her brother’s life. Her speech shows her moral strength and deep faith in God.
Abuse of Power: Angelo uses his position to exploit an innocent woman. He proudly asks,
“Who will believe thee, Isabel?”
His arrogance shows his faith in worldly power over moral truth. This scene uncovers the theme of male pride and moral hypocrisy.
In termination, Angelo’s condition to Isabella joins power with sin. His offer to exchange Claudio’s life for lust reveals his corruption. Through Isabella’s resistance, Shakespeare glorifies chastity, faith, and the triumph of moral purity over evil.