Measure for Measure Essay: Immorality and Corruption -- Measure for Me

Immorality and Corruption in Measure for Measure In Measure for Measure, Shakespeare demonstrates that there is an innate immorality and corruption in the feel of man. Shakespeare illustrates that power does not cause corruption. This is achieved by presenting the Duke, who has the most power in Vienna, as a moral hero, and conversely revealing the corruption of the powerless grade through characters including Pompey, Mistress Overdone, and Barnadine. Through all this, Shakespeare uses ecclesiastic Angelo in Measure for Measure to show that immorality and corruption is innate in mankind. It is worth noting that Lord Angelos name evokes an image of purity and holiness. Names are given at birth, and the idea that he is called angelic from the start, would argue against this belief of innate depravity. But, as Shakespeare argues, its a name that cant be lived up to because of natural passions and lusts, which ultimately leads to Angelos hypocrisy. The play opens up not only labell ing Angelo with a pure name, but also as a puritanical deputy, who has been elected (1.1.18) to enforce the laws while the Duke is away. This idea of election not only signifies the political decree of Vienna, but also a Pauline doctrine that relates to men and angels. But whats even more interesting, is that when the apostle Paul writ... ...lives in spite of them. Works Cited and Consulted Black, James. The Unfolding of Measure for Measure. Shakespeare Survey 26 (1973) 119-28. Leech, Clifford. The Meaning of Measure for Measure. Shakespeare Survey 3 (1950) 69-71. New American Standard Bible. Reference ed. Chicago Moody Press, 1975. Shakespeare, William. Measure for Measure. The Arden Shakespeare. Ed. J.W. Lever. London Routledge, 1995. Thomas, Vivian. The Moral Universe of Shakespeares Problem Plays. London Croom Helm, 1987. Wilders, John. The Problem Comedies. In Wells, Stanley, ed. Shakespeare select Bibliographical Guides. London Oxford UP, 1973.