Critics On Main Characters Flashcards
Geckle summarizing the three criticisms of Isabella
“First, Isabella is too harsh toward Claudio; secondly, she seems too “rigid” in her chastity; thirdly, she taints herself by her participation in the bed trick”
Isabella in Measure for Measure is often criticized for being too harsh toward Claudio when he pleads for his life, for being excessively rigid in her commitment to chastity, and for compromising her morality by agreeing to the bed trick. However, her actions can also be seen as a reflection of her strong religious convictions and personal integrity, raising complex questions about virtue, justice, and mercy.
What does Wilson say about Isabella’s treatment of her brother?
‘Her vilification of her brother shows her as a hysteric, as a neurotic, and it shows her as a religious maniac.’
What did Mullan say about Angelo and Isabella?
‘Angelo’s opposite is Isabella but she is also his twin’
Isabella and Angelo are opposites in terms of morality—he is corrupt while she is virtuous—but they share a rigid, absolutist mindset. Like Angelo, Isabella holds extreme views on sin and punishment, seen in her harsh response to Claudio’s plea for mercy. This parallel highlights how strict moral absolutism, whether in enforcing justice or upholding virtue, can lead to a lack of compassion.
What does Mullan say about her marriage at the end?
‘even her final reward has felt to some like a kind of sentence’
Isabella’s ending in Measure for Measure, particularly the Duke’s proposal, can feel more like a forced obligation than a reward. Committed to a religious life, she is suddenly faced with an unexpected marriage offer, which some see as restricting her autonomy. Her silence in response leaves the ending ambiguous, making it unclear whether this is a true choice or another form of control.
What does Baines say about Isabella’s silence?
Isabella is ‘not silenced, but, instead, chooses silence as a form of resistance to the patriarchal authority!
What does Cheetham say about Angelo?
‘Angelo is lacking in humanity- not the man to exercise discretion and flexibility in law application!’
While Angelo is often seen as rigid and lacking humanity, this view overlooks the complexity of his character. Though he initially enforces the law harshly, his struggle with desire for Isabella reveals his inner conflict and vulnerability. His hypocrisy—condemning Claudio while secretly attempting to exploit Isabella—shows not just cruelty but also a deeply human weakness. Additionally, his eventual remorse and willingness to accept punishment suggest that he is not entirely devoid of conscience. While he fails in exercising discretion fairly, his moral struggle and self-awareness by the end show that he is more than just an unfeeling enforcer of the law.
Wasson believes what about Angelo?
‘Angelo is too virtuous, but for this to be worth anything, it must be tested.’
What does Hall say about Angelo?
‘Despite Angelo’s efforts to clean up the city, he succumbs to the sinning he is trying to prevent.
How does Dunlop suggest Angelo is used to show the problems of a flawed person having too much power?
‘the character of Angelo has been designed (discreetly) of the problems inherent in investing one flawed individual with absolute power’
Angelo’s character in Measure for Measure serves as a subtle critique of the dangers of granting absolute power to a single, flawed individual. Initially presented as a paragon of virtue, Angelo’s strict enforcement of the law quickly gives way to corruption when he finds himself tempted by Isabella. His abuse of authority—condemning Claudio while attempting to coerce Isabella—demonstrates how unchecked power can expose and amplify personal weaknesses. His failure to apply justice with mercy highlights the risks of rigid legalism without human compassion. Through Angelo, Shakespeare explores the idea that no individual, no matter how seemingly virtuous, is immune to corruption when placed in a position of unchecked control.
What does Dollimore see Angelo as a presentation of?
‘Angelo is a presentation of authoritarian repression.’
What does Wasson say the Duke knows has led to the corruption in Vienna?
‘He knows that his own merciful nature has led to the corruption of Vienna’
What does Jackson think of the Duke as a plot device?
‘The Duke disguised as a friar… steed the plot away from its tragic potential and towards a kind of comedy!’
The Duke’s disguise as a friar shifts Measure for Measure from tragedy to comedy by preventing harsh consequences. His secret interventions, such as delaying Claudio’s execution and arranging the bed trick, ensure that justice is tempered with mercy. Instead of tragic outcomes, the play moves toward reconciliation, with softened punishments and marriages, aligning with Shakespearean comedic traditions.
What does Hazlitt say about the Duke?
‘more absorbed in his own plots and gravity than anxious for the well-being of the state!’
What does Miles say about the Duke?
‘ultimate benevolent authority figure’
He disguises himself to understand the city’s corruption better and chooses mercy over strict punishment, particularly in his dealings with Claudio, who faces execution for fornication. The Duke allows characters like Isabella to make moral choices, which emphasizes personal agency. His final act of offering marriage to Isabella symbolizes reconciliation and harmony, reinforcing his role as a leader who seeks justice and redemption in the community. Overall, he guides the play towards a resolution that highlights mercy and understanding.
