Discuss Shakespeare’s treatment of justice and mercy in Measure for Measure
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.
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Discuss William Shakespeare’s handling of the theme of justice and mercy in “Measure for Measure”.
Or Discuss Shakespeare’s treatment of justice and mercy in Measure for Measure.
Or How does Shakespeare resolve the issue of justice and mercy in Measure for Measure?
Or Examine the theme of Measure for Measure.
Measure for Measure (1623) is a play based on balancing the law and mercy in the face of human flaws. It was composed by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), a literary giant in English literature drama. In The play “Measure for Measure”, Shakespeare shows how, at the same time, justice and mercy have to be established in society.
Authority and Delegation of Power: The Duke of Vienna delegates authority to Angelo in the play’s opening scene. He emphasizes the dual aspects of “mortality and mercy” in Angelo’s decisions. The Duke entrusts Angelo with the responsibility of maintaining order in Vienna. It sets the stage for examining justice and mercy.
Justice And Mercy Under The Duke: Justice and mercy are vital in the play’s action. When the duke has given the Administrative power to sentence a man to death, Angelo warns him that if the criminal’s crime is proven, he will take the way of justice, but if the criminal is free from his crime, Angelo will treat the man with mercy. In some scenes of the play, we see the lack of justice, especially in Claudio’s case. Claudio establishes a physical relationship with Juliet and then refuses to marry. That’s why he is accused. Duke Vincentio quotes before venerating the new duke:
“Mortality and mercy in Vienna Live in thy tongue, and heart.”
Angelo’s Strict Justice: Angelo is initially portrayed as a strict enforcer of justice. He pronounces a death sentence for Claudio’s crime of fornication. It refers to a lack of mercy in the pursuit of justice. The incident highlights the uncompromising nature of Angelo’s commitment to the law. Angelo said to Claudio’s mercy proposal,
“We must not make a scarecrow of the law”.