Shakespeare | Measure for Measure | A Review
Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’-A Review
Measure for Measure is one of William Shakespeare’s most intriguing plays, and it has often been described as a ‘problem play.’ It’s a complex work that explores some of the darkest and most controversial themes of human behavior, such as justice, corruption, and the abuse of power.
The play is set in Vienna, where Duke Vincentio decides to leave the city under the control of his deputy, Angelo, while he goes on a ‘pilgrimage.’ However, the Duke disguises himself as a friar and observes how Angelo uses his newfound power to enforce a strict moral code on the city’s inhabitants. Angelo’s first order of business is to crack down on the rampant sexual immorality in the city, which has led to the spread of venereal diseases.
The play’s central conflict arises when Claudio, a young man, is sentenced to death by Angelo for impregnating his fiancée before they were married. Claudio’s sister, Isabella, who is about to become a nun, pleads with Angelo to spare her brother’s life, but he demands that she sleep with him in exchange. Isabella is horrified by this proposition and instead decides to inform her brother of his impending death, urging him to prepare for it and repent.
As the play unfolds, we see the different characters grappling with the themes of mercy and justice. The Duke, disguised as a friar, orchestrates a plan to bring about a just resolution to the conflict, and in doing so, exposes the hypocrisy and corruption of those in power. The play also explores the themes of sexual desire and the abuse of power, and it shows how even the most seemingly virtuous people can be susceptible to these vices.
What makes Measure for Measure so interesting is its ambiguity. The characters are not clearly defined as either good or evil, and their motivations and actions are often contradictory. This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations of the play, and it leaves the audience to draw their own conclusions about the themes and characters.
Overall, Measure for Measure is a complex and thought-provoking play that explores some of the most fundamental questions about human nature and society. It challenges us to question our own assumptions and beliefs about justice, morality, and power, and it shows us that the answers to these questions are rarely clear-cut. If you’re interested in exploring the darker side of human behavior and the complexities of justice and morality, then Measure for Measure is definitely worth reading. 0 0 0.
Shakespeare Measure for Measure A Review
N. B. This article ‘Shakespeare Measure for Measure A Review’ originally belongs to the book ‘Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
- World Short Story Criticism
- World Poetry Criticism
- World Drama Criticism
- World Novel Criticism
- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
- Emily Dickinson’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Walt Whitman’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works …
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