Measure for measure comedy. “Measure For Measure” as a Dark Comedy 2022-10-28
Measure for measure comedy
Rating:
7,2/10
1281
reviews
Measure for Measure is a comedy written by William Shakespeare that was first performed in 1604. The play is set in Vienna, where the Duke of Vienna has temporarily left the city to go on a long trip. Before he leaves, he appoints his deputy, Angelo, as the temporary ruler of Vienna, and gives him the authority to enforce the laws of the city.
The play begins with a young man named Claudio being arrested and sentenced to death for getting his fiancée, Juliet, pregnant out of wedlock. Claudio's sister, Isabella, pleads with Angelo to spare her brother's life, and Angelo agrees to do so on the condition that Isabella becomes his mistress. Isabella is horrified by this proposal and refuses, leading to a series of complications and misunderstandings that form the main plot of the play.
Despite its serious themes, Measure for Measure is a comedy because it ends with a series of happy marriages and a resolution to the conflicts that arose throughout the play. In addition to the main plot involving Claudio and Isabella, there are several subplots involving other characters in the play, including a group of bawdy young men and a group of nuns. These subplots add to the comedic elements of the play and help to balance out the more serious themes.
One of the main themes of Measure for Measure is the importance of justice and mercy. Throughout the play, Angelo is depicted as a strict and uncompromising ruler who is determined to enforce the laws of Vienna to the letter. However, as the play progresses, he begins to see the importance of mercy and the need to balance justice with compassion. This theme is explored through the character of Isabella, who serves as a foil to Angelo and represents the importance of mercy and compassion in the administration of justice.
Another theme in Measure for Measure is the power of disguise and deception. Several characters in the play use disguises and trickery to achieve their goals, and these strategies often lead to humorous and unexpected results. For example, the Duke of Vienna, who has secretly returned to Vienna in disguise, uses his disguise to manipulate the events of the play and bring about a resolution to the conflicts that have arisen.
Overall, Measure for Measure is a comedy that explores serious themes such as justice, mercy, and the power of deception. Through its clever plot and engaging characters, the play offers a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of justice and the importance of balance in the administration of law.
How Is This A Comedy Exactly?
It contains characters who seem perfect while still being flawed in ways that are easy for audiences to understand and relate to. Its theme, characters, and action are tragic, and only the manipulations of the duke, who acts as a deus ex machina, bring the play to a happy conclusion. The play unfolds the dark, hidden, pernicious and despicable aspects of human Measure for Measure. Havana is the carefree playground of the rich, the famous—and the corrupt—while a revolution brews. This is, however, being unjust to the play as a whole. Angelo never discards his views of premarital sex, even though he demands that Isabella sleep with him. He nearly succeeds, and it appears as if he will escape punishment entirely.
Next
Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare: Comedy or Tragedy Essay, Measure for Measure
Finally, Measure for Measure balances between tragedy and comedy in the way the characters react to the twists of the plot. Ultimately with the Duke reassuming power and Isabella interceding, every offence is pardoned and the happy ending comes with a bridal procession comprising the three pairs Claudio and Juliet, Angelo and Mariana and last but not least, Duko and Isabella. Whether or not Measure for Measure qualifies as a comedy or tragedy depends largely on the perspective of the critic. The irony and cynicism apparent in the plays make laughter even bitter but more than that in all these plays the imaginative endeavour is frustrated by the intellectual intrusion. Angelo orders the destruction of the brothels and, invoking a law against lechery, imprisons Claudio for impregnating the woman to whom he is betrothed. Additionally, Juliet and her unborn child are compromised by the attitudes she will face if she has an illegitimate child.
Next
Measure for Measure: by Shakespeare
The underlying cynicism surfaces in the characterization. Soon the play opens we come to know that the Duke wants to leave the country but he does not state why and where he will go. Lucio as a fool is a brilliant case as almost every scene he is involved with after the inital visit to Angelo is between him and the Duke disguised as the Friar. His total insignificance however means that the audience has no emotional or moral attachment to him and thus he is forgotten somewhat quickly - he is more of a plot device than a character. In fact, the contradictions begin to resolve themselves as soon as we start to look at Shakespeare as a total artist in the process of total development. I created this blog because I love writing about literature. Additionally, Shakespeare uses humor throughout Measure for Measure by creating characters like Lucio who is witty and makes jokes when he is in trouble.
Next
o what extent is Measure For Measure a conventional comedy?
Measure For Measure continues to be an intriguing story about justice, morality, sin, and free will that inspires new audiences every year. Measure for Measure is one of the dark comedies or problem plays of As a result, the Measure for Measure is one of the most brilliant of This view is challenged by others, notably in recent times, by C. However, this is the only marriage we as the audience are certain is due to love. Claudiois arrested and awarded death penalty because of making a young maiden pregnant without marrying her. As a result of the spiritual exhortation of the Jacobean Age, Measure for Measure is indeed a very depressing play.
Next
Why is "Measure for Measure" considered a 'dark comedy'?
As mentioned above, Pompey provides humour for the audience and is the fool of the play. Outraged when Claudio begs her to accept the offer, Isabella abandons him, but is persuaded by the disguised duke to play a trick on Angelo. This also links in with forgiveness - the other pirate, Barnadine, is pardoned by a reinstated Duke regardless of his prior actions and Isabel effectively forgives Angelo, for the sake of helping Mariana yet still forgiveness nonetheless. Interestingly, Ragozine is the only death of the play. A general gloom pervades a dark comedy.
Next
Discuss Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure" as a dark comedy
Additionally, marriage saves the women's reputations and gives them a position they would otherwise not have had. Although included in the comedy section of the First Folio, Measure for Measure has been called tragedy, tragicomedy, satire, and allegory by its critics. Schanzer found that the play had a a central moral problem and b a manner of presentation balancing our moral bearings, making it possible and even probable for the auditor to respond with an uncertain and divided mind. These comedies, as Charlton put it, are full of greasy matter and they are apt to evoke a complex response and a plethora of critical interpretations. Tragicomedy offered a tragic theme with a happy close brought about by the intervention of a deus ex machina.
Next
Consider Measure for Measure as a Dark Comedy
All of them are the basest of criminals, pimps, prostitutes, murderers, and thieves. By profession, I'm a teacher and I'm fond of folk music too. In actuality, the duke remains in Vienna disguised as a friar in order to watch what unfolds. Following the letter of the law, Angelo passes the death sentence on Claudio, a nobleman convicted for impregnating his betrothed, Juliet. The world painted by Shakespeare is not entirely a dark world but certainly a weak world full of human follies and foibles and the moral weaknesses that the flesh is heir to.
Next
Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Measure for Measure
For instance, Lucio at first is told that he is set to die, then the tension is released when it is revealed he will not and will instead be married released tension for the audience at least. Here in these plays, Shakespeare dealt with a problem and in a mood, the essential modernity of which was aptly pointed out by G. This lack of meaningful death means that death and tragedy are not on the minds of the audience. Arrive early to immerse yourself in the sultry world of the play, as the Courtyard Theater transforms into a dazzling Havana nightclub. Lucio is another despicable fellow who repeals us by his vulgarity. It may be that Shakespeare was forced, through theatrical exigency, to finish in haste what he had begun in comparative leisure.
Next
Themes of Shakespeare's Comedy 'Measure for Measure'
Although such seedy characters provide some fun as Pompey, Barnardine, Elbow, Froth, and Mistress Overdone, they cannot lift the cloud of gloom. There is both discord and harmony in the play with equal emphasis placed on each. Disturbed by the unruliness of Vienna, Duke Vincentio resolves to absent himself from rule and entrust law enforcement to his puritanical deputy, Angelo. Outraged when Claudio begs her to accept the offer, Isabella abandons him, but is persuaded by the disguised duke to play a trick on Angelo. . Claudio fornicates and Angelo forsakes his love. As a result, intellect rather than imagination is dominant.
Next
Measure for Measure
The Role of Women Each woman in the play is controlled by the forces of patriarchy. The darkness of Measure for Measure is a reflection of what is to come; Shakespeares great tragedies. However, the Duke does not forgive Lucio - though his predicament is a humourous one so does not require the soft touch of reconciliation. Those who clamour against cynicism and Isabella should not forget that there is also a strong Christian In this corrupt society of Vienna, the Duke has been conceived as the self-appointed moralist who observes with amused detachment the process of putrefaction from which he keeps himself away temporarily. These are a puzzling cluster of plays that many readers of Shakespeare plainly resent. Disguised as a friar, the duke remains in Vienna to observe the consequences of his decision. Additionally, marriage saves the women's reputations and gives them a position they would otherwise not have had.
Next