Examine the moral, social, and political atmosphere in Measure for Measure

Answer

Examine the moral, social, and political atmosphere in Measure for Measure. 

“Measure for Measure” (1623) is a praiseworthy and ever-green drama based on themes of justice, morality, and the abuse of power. It was composed by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), who is famous for his versatile talent. The drama has represented the environment of the contemporary age in terms of moral, social, and political atmosphere. 

The Emptiness Of Morality: The timespan when the drama “Measure for Measure”  was written James1 reigned England.  The Duke of Vienna seemed to be the proper portrait of King James I. At that time, the Duke was virtuous, but his officials were not as honest as he was. People like Angelo are outwardly very much virtuous but inwardly shown the emptiness of moral values. So, we can say that the moral atmosphere of 17th Century England was not good.

Showy Moral Values: William Shakespeare established a gloomy and dark atmosphere in his drama “Measure for Measure”.  Here, we find fake moral ethics in character, especially Angelo, who has temporary administrative power in the kingdom of Vienna. In this drama, he is the embodiment of showy moral values. Another character, Claudio, also bears the sign of showy moral values. If he had a moral education, he could not seduce Juliet. So, this point proves that the real moral values have died, and society is filled with fake moral ethics. we can cite a quote:

 “O, what may man within him hide, 

Though angel on the outward side!”

Various Types Of Social Disorder: The drama “Measure for Measure” represents various social disorders such as injustice, seduction, violation, and so on. The Duke of Vienna is a humble and virtuous person. So, the people of Vienna are gradually pervaded by the duke’s laws and orders. So, he decided to hand over the administrative power to a strict ruler named Angelo.  But during the reined of Angelo various types of social disorders are found. Escalus says: 

“Some rise by sin and some by virtue fall”

Expecting Democracy: Throughout the drama, In Act V, scene, we notice that Isabella put some charges against the temporary Duke Angelo in front of the gate of the duke’s palace. This scene is a fine example of democracy, which is the underlined meaning of the scene of Isabella’s charges against Angelo. She says 

“O, it is excellent 

To have a giant’s strength, but it is tyrannous 

To use it like a giant.”

Lack Of Justice: The characters of Claudio, Isabella, Juliet, and Mariana are the sufferers of social injustice. Though Claudio has committed a hate crime, it is not proper Justice to sentence them to death for his crime.  Another injustice happened to Isabella when Angelo offered Isabella to surrender her virginity to get the release of her Brother Claudio’s life. Isabela refuses his proposal and says: 

 Sir, believe this: 

I had rather give my body than my soul. 

Such a proposal was unexpected to Angelo. There is a proverb that says, “The Keeper is the eater.” Here in this drama, Angelo plays such a role.  So, from this point of view, it is proved that social injustice is happening here and there.

Political Atmosphere: The political condition of that time was not sound. Though Angelo appeared to be a very strict and rude ruler, the people of Vienna were not satisfied with his region. The unsatisfactory attitudes of the common people toward the present ruler are a great sign of the political disorder that is going on in Vienna’s kingdom. Angelo abuses his power, and the subsequent turmoil exposes the fragility of the political systems of that contemporary society. We can cite a quote: 

 “O, place and greatness, millions of false eyes 

Are stuck upon thee!”

In conclusion, Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” provides a contemporary picture of England’s social, moral, and political atmosphere. It explores the themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of abuse of the political power.