THEME OF AGENCY AND SOCIETY

Question 1

How does Shakespeare explore the theme of agency and society?

Answer 1

• Through the examination of social forces of coersion
• The cooperation characters have with the social contract
• The tension between indiviudal autonomy and these social forces of coersion.

Question 2

Define social contract

Answer 2

• implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits

Question 3

The character of Angelo is used to explore tensions between individual autonomy and societal forces of coercion.

Answer 3

I have on Angelo imposed the office,
Who may in th’ ambush of my name strike home,
And yet my nature never in the fight
To do in slander.

Placed in a position… to actualise his worst potentialities

Question 4

The play examines how social forces of coercion such as the justice system has the potential to marginalize the powerless and perpetuate injustice and stifle individual autonomy.

Answer 4

• Thus can the demigod, Authority,
  Make us pay down for our offense by weight
  The words of heaven: on whom it will, it will;
  On whom it will not, so; yet still ’tis just.
• “Too much liberty, my lucio, Liberty”

The Duke’s “undercover surveillance and Christian morality keeps the populace under a sinister form of ideological control”

Question 5

The play explores the limitations of the social contract or social coercion in individuals who do not accept the established moral code. Neither
the civic or religious has any influence on Bernadine.

Answer 5

“I swear I will not die for any man’s persuasion”

Question 6

Pompey becomes an executioner because it carries more cultural prestige than a bawd.

Answer 6

I have been an unlawful bawd… but yet I will be content to be a lawful hangman

Question 7

The duke blurs the line between civic power and religious power as the friar costume and his power as a man gives him coercive power over others.

Answer 7

• “Supply me with the habit and instruct me.”
• “Bound my charity and my blessed order”