Is it justifiable to categorise Angelo as a villain in “Measure for Measure?”

Answer

Is it justifiable to categorise Angelo as a villain in “Measure for Measure?” Elucidate. (2021)

William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) “Measure for Measure” (1623) presents Angelo as the deputy of the Duke of Vienna. He begins as a strict judge of others’ sins but ends as a sinner himself. His outer image is that of a moral man, but his actions reveal a deep hypocrisy. Angelo enforces harsh laws, misuses power, and tries to corrupt Isabella’s purity. Yet, Shakespeare shows that his villainy is not entirely black. Angelo is both a sinner and a man destroyed by his own weakness.

A Mask of Virtue: At the start, Angelo seems noble and pure. The Duke trusts him to rule Vienna. He speaks of justice and law with great pride. However, his moral strength is merely a façade. As the Duke says, 

“O, what may man within him hide,

Though angel on the outward side!” 

This means that Angelo looks holy but hides evil inside. His goodness is artificial. He pretends to be virtuous to gain fame and power. Thus, his outer holiness contrasts with his inner sinfulness. His name, “Angelo,” sounds like “angel,” but his heart is not angelic. 

His Cruel Sense of Justice: Angelo applies the law without mercy. He punishes Claudio with death for loving Juliet before marriage. He says, 

“The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept.”

These words show his strict belief that the law should never rest. He forgets that laws are for human benefit, not for cruelty. Angelo enjoys power and uses it to appear strong. He rejects mercy and listens to no appeal. His justice becomes cold and heartless. Such behaviour makes him seem more of a tyrant than a moral ruler.

The Fall Through Lust: Angelo’s true villainy appears when he sees Isabella. He falls in love with her at first sight. His passion turns into lust. He desires the woman who represents purity. Shocked by his feelings, he says, 

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