Measure For Measure :: essays research papers

Shakespeares assess for broadside can be seen as an early account of sexual harassment. era the issue of womens rights had hardly been explored at the time the play was number 1 performed, Measure for Measure touches on issues of sexuality, independence, and the objectification of women. Despite these serious issues, the play is considered a comedy, and the score it tells is filled with amusing characters as well as broad sociological questions.The plot centers around the fate of Claudio, who is arrested by Lord Angelo, the temporary draw of Vienna. Angelo is left in charge by the Duke, who pretends to leave town precisely instead dresses as a friar to observe the goings-on in his absence. Angelo is strict, moralistic, and trustworthy in his decision-making he decides that there is too much freedom in Vienna and takes it upon himself to rid the city of brothels and unlawful sexual activity. Laws against these behaviors and institutions already exist, and Angelo simply decid es to enforce them more strictly. Claudio is arrested for impregnating Juliet, his lover, before they were married. Although they were engaged and their sexual intercourse was consensual, Claudio is sentenced to conclusion in order to serve as an example to the other Viennese citizens.Isabella, Claudios sister, is about to enter a nunnery when her brother is arrested. She is unfailingly virtuous, religious, and chaste. When she hears of her brothers arrest, she goes to Angelo to beg him for mercy. He refuses, still suggests that there might be some way to qualify his mind. When he propositions her, saying that he will let Claudio live if she agrees to set out sexual intercourse with him, she is shocked and immediately refuses. Her brother agrees at first still then changes his mind. Isabella is left to contemplate a very historic decision.Isabella is, in a way, let off the hook when the Duke, dressed as a friar, intervenes. He tells her that Angelos former lover, Mariana, was engaged to be married to him, but he abandoned her when she lost her dowry in a shipwreck. The Duke forms a plan by which Isabella will agree to have sex with the Angelo, but then Mariana will go in her place. The next morning, Angelo will rationalize Claudio and be forced to marry Mariana according to the law.Everything goes according to plan, except that Angelo does non pardon Claudio, fearing revenge.