Justice And Power

Justice exists when we have distinct differences between what is right and what is wrong. Therefore, laws and governments are in place to create and indeed uphold such laws in order to maintain a level of justice. What is problematic about justice in Measure for Measure is that the boundaries between what is morally right and wrong are somewhat blurred.

The subplot in the play, the 'bed trick' is one such case of moral dilemma. Who is to be blamed the tempter or the tempted? In order to address such questions it is paramount to find out who is most responsible. However, in the playing of this trick, the ability for Isabella to selfishly compromise someone else's virtue in order to ultimately benefit herself; not only makes us question her virtue but also the very idea of justice itself.

The Duke relinquishes his power over the country, which he has allowed to run into anarchy, and gives power to Angelo. In the play the reason for this is in order to bring the country back into order and the Duke says to Angelo, "Mortality and mercy in Vienna live in thy tongue and heart." However, Angelo does not show any mercy but sentences Claudio to death. This power was given to him by the Duke, who stands for God , as he was considered to be appointed as His representative on Earth. Yet, we also question the Duke's reasoning and justification for choosing Angelo as opposed to Escalus, who is wise as "any that we remember." Moreover, Angelo himself feels under-qualified for such a task, as he begs to be further tested. The fact that the Duke has allowed his country to be in such moral ruin, and is now appointing someone else to reinstate order, makes us question his power. Does the Duke have any power? He seems so unable to even control his own people, however, we are told that he is doing it to avoid being unpopular. Yet, we know that he has not given power to the one who is most suited to the job, Escalus. This shows that his motives are not merely to retain order, but perhaps also to test Angelo.

Angelo's reign as 'acting monarch' is fraught with injustice. He is the epitome of hypocrisy, not only because he himself commits an act of fornication, and plans to do so with Isabella but also because he does not punish Madame Overdone. This character flaw, hypocrisy, is also present in Isabella who believes that for her to commit fornication is too wicked, yet, for Marianna it is not so bad. Our impression of Angelo, however, is influenced by the views that the other characters hold of him. The Justice says that, "Lord Angelo is severe" and also the Provost questions Angelo's decision, in Act 2 Scene 2, to execute Claudio.

Although some might argue that Angelo's actions are typical of one who has let 'power get to their head'; this is far from the truth. Angelo does not represent a merely power-driven individual. He differs greatly from this type of character in the way in which at the end of the play he prefers punishment to mercy, and punishment, when correctly implemented is synonymous with Justice. Angelo persists in upholding the law, and does not see himself as being unjust or tyrannical as he says to Isabella, "It is the law, not I, condemn your brother." However, his way of ruling, so harshly and 'by the book' makes him unjust, as he does not look at each case on an individual basis but allows all offences to appear equal. Therefore, Angelo's character does not represent Justice but rather Law.

The Duke who remains in disguise, is still crucially important, and does hold ultimate power even though he does not reveal this. It is through his plots that Claudio is saved and that Marianna is wed to Angelo. Yes, it can be argued that order is resumed at the end of the play and that the Duke serves to reinstate it. The Duke himself addresses the idea of Justice, when at the end he allows everyone who feels they have been wronged to come forward. However, the fact the Duke is able to make such life-changing decisions for so many people, makes us question whether he is just himself. In commanding Marianna and Angelo to wed, he has fulfilled Marianna's desire, but what of Angelo? I think this relates back to the perception that he hold absolute power and therefore, believes his conclusions are the most just. His whole character is thrown into a very different light when he proposes to Isabella; it gives room to doubt his actual motives. Perhaps the Duke's actions were all merely a farce in order to appear more beneficent and appealing to Isabella.

Measure for Measure was considered as one of Shakespeare's last comedies. It is defined as a comedy in the way in which it concludes in marriage. It was written during the Jacobean period and therefore, it is markedly more 'dark' than former comedies. Like his contemporary Webster, Shakespeare explores more horrific sides to human nature and society, albeit not so grotesquely. The play explores the idea of sexuality in the form of love and lust and also forms of control and power. It is a 'problem play' in that it highlights the corruption of human nature - the selfishness in Isabella, lust in Angelo - but also the abuse of power and the absence of authority. The Duke reined over his kingdom leniently and therefore this lead to the moral decline.

Angelo abuses his power, by attempting to sleep with Isabella and the Duke abuses his power by maintaining a disguise, and in so doing acting as a puppet master. The Duke becomes a problematic figure in his ability to manipulate the emotions of Isabella, allowing her to believe her brother is dead when he is not, for instance. He uses his disguise in order to work his way into the people's confidence, and this in itself can be seen as an abuse of power. In this situation he is not using the power of his position as a Duke, but the power of his disguise as a friar. The disguise as a friar is of particular significance as it is one associated with the Church, and therefore an honest and trustworthy person to emulate.

In the end, the Duke distributes what he will consider justice but in actual fact the very notion of justice is still very much subject to debate. What we can say unequivocally, however, is that the Duke shows Mercy. Yet the marked contrast between Mercy and Justice is such that the two can be two very opposing things.