Which Excerpt From Animal Farm Gives An Example Of A Metaphor?

Measure for Measure is currently studied in VCE English under Expanse of Report 1 - Text Response. For a detailed guide on Text Response, check out our Ultimate Guide to VCE Text Response.

INTRODUCTION‍

Ahh William Shakespeare. That guy. You're probably thinking, "Great. More fancy language. Hasn't he been dead for centuries? Why does he keep popping upwardly in our English language curriculum?"

At least, that's how I reacted.

Shakespeare is actually a huge figure in the history of the English language, and really no high school English curriculum is complete without a mandatory dose of him. In fact, the current VCAA study design demands that 1 of his texts must be on the text list. What a fable.

Shakespeare doesn't only influence our globe in the classroom. The Bard coined many words and phrases that we use today. We can thank this playwright for "be -all, end-all", "good riddance", and my personal favourite, "swagger".

The Bard's play "Measure for Measure" was start performed in 1604; over 400 years ago. So why do we still study his works today? In fact, the ideas and themes that are evoked in his plays are universal and timeless; pertinent to his contemporary counterparts, too every bit today'southward audition. Shakespeare'south plays are like soup (bear with me, this is going somewhere). One could say the playwright is a master chef; he mixes tales of the human condition and experience and asks us to question people and ideas. Anybody, regardless of their time, will gobble up the story.

So, what is this soup- I mean 'Measure for Measure out' almost? The play is known as a "problem play" and/or "tragicomedy". That's correct, it'south both a tragedy and a comedy. Dire trials and tribulations are intertwined with humorous gags and jokesters. I gauge Shakespeare couldn't choose just i.

'Measure for Measure' is also a problem play. Critic West.W Lawrence divers a problem play as one in which "a perplexing and deplorable complication in human life is presented in a spirit of high seriousness ... the theme is handled and then every bit to arouse not simply interest or excitement, or pity or amusement, but to probe the complicated interrelations of grapheme and action, in a situation admitting of different ethical interpretations".

Ok, crazy, only he as well said that "the 'problem' is not like 1 in mathematics, to which at that place is a single true solution, just is one of conduct, as to which at that place are no stock-still and immutable laws. Often it cannot be reduced to any formula, any one question, since human life is besides complex to be so neatly simplified."

In brusque, a trouble play presents lots of complications and issues that are open to different upstanding interpretations. As in "Measure for Mensurate", the "problem(s)" is/are non always solved.

And so, what actually happens in this play that is problematic? What are our ingredients in this problem soup?

‍P(L)OT SUMMARY

Become information technology? Crusade soup is cooked in a pot. Sad.

The Knuckles of Vienna appoints his deputy, Angelo, equally the temporary leader. This Duke then pretends to leave town but instead dresses up as a friar to observe what happens in his absence. Angelo, strict and unwavering in his dedication to following the rules, decides to rid Vienna of all the unlawful sex activity; including shutting down the brothels. Prostitutes like Mistress Overdone (pun alert) and her pimp Pompey are poised to lose their livelihoods. Laws against this activity exist, just they've gotten lax over the years. Angelo, a stickler for the rules, has Claudio arrested because young Claudio has gotten his engaged married womanhoped-for (Juliet) pregnant before they were officially married. Claudio is to be executed.

The virtuous Isabella, Claudio's sis, is poised to enter a nunnery. Upon hearing of her brother's abort and sentence, she goes to Angelo to beg him for mercy. He hypocritically, in an absolutely dog move, propositions her, saying he'll pardon her blood brother if she sleeps with him (with Angelo, not Claudio). She immediately refuses, being the religious and chaste woman that she is. At first Claudio is upset because he wants to live, just and so he calms downwardly and accepts death.

Luckily, the Duke (secretly dressed as a friar) helps in their sticky situation. He brews upward a plan; Angelo's former flame Mariana was engaged to him, only he broke off their engagement after she lost her dowry in a shipwreck. The Friar (Knuckles) plans to accept Isabella agree to sleep with Angelo, but then transport Mariana in her identify. In theory, Angelo would pardon Claudio and be forced to marry Mariana by law.

The one-time switcheroo goes off without a hitch. But come morning, Angelo refuses to pardon Claudio, fearing he volition seek revenge. The Knuckles, in collaboration with the Provost, transport Angelo the caput of a expressionless pirate (Ragozine) who died of natural causes. They claim that it'south Claudio'southward head, and Angelo is satisfied, thinking him to be expressionless. Isabella is besides told that her brother is dead and is encouraged past the Friar (Duke) to mutter about Angelo to the Duke, who is returning home.

The Duke makes a grand return to Vienna, saying he volition hear whatever complaints immediately. Isabella tells her story, and the Duke feigns disbelief, despite having orchestrated the plan himself. In an act filled with more twists and turns than a Curiosity movie, everything comes out; the Knuckles reveals he was a friar all along, Angelo is forced to confess, and Claudio is pardoned among other things. To top it all off, the Duke proposes to Isabella. Crazy!

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

It's of import to acknowledge what was going on in the world during the writing of a text. This may assist give insight into why the author has included (or not included) some aspect of their work.

The Divine Right of Kings

This holy mandate states that a monarch derives his right to dominion from the volition of God and is non subject to earthly authority. The "male monarch" or monarch is hence practically divine, and questioning his orders is too questioning god; blasphemy.

The Great Chain of Existence/Grade divides

This chain is a hierarchy of all life forms and matter in the following order:

• God
• Angels
• Kings & Royalty
• Nobles
• Commoners (Gentry, Merchants, Yeoman, Laborers)
• Slaves
• Animals
• Plants
• Non-living things

Hence, alongside The Divine Correct of Kings, this ideal gave monarchs huge power over their subjects.

In early on 1600s England, at that place was a defined social hierarchy and class system. Anybody had a identify in the hierarchy, and there was little movement betwixt the classes. Within each form, men were considered superior to women.

Shakespeare encourages usa to enquire a few questions of our supposedly holy leader and his actions. Co-ordinate to the Divine Right of Kings, the Duke is god'due south right-hand man, and thus all his decisions are holy and backed by sky. However, the Duke is pretty shady when he plots his bed-trick plan with Isabella and Mariana. Is this deceptive beliefs still holy? Furthermore, is it not sacrilege to pretend to be a holy friar when one is not truly a holy homo?

Moreover, when the Duke assigns Angelo every bit his deputy, would this transform Angelo into a divine ruler too? Could he be divine, because his cruel rule and despicable asking to Isabella?

Women

Women were considered subservient, lower class citizens then men. Alliances were forged betwixt powerful families through bundled marriages of daughters. These girls may take received an education through tutors attending their homes (there were no schools for girls), but their endgame would be marriage, children and maintaining the dwelling house. Women and girls of a lower class did not receive any formal education but would have learned how to govern a household and become skilled in all housewifely duties. Impoverished and desperate women (Mistress Overdone) would turn to prostitution to stay alive.

Shakespeare maybe highlights the struggle of women in his female characters; Isabella, Mistress Overdone, Juliet, and Kate Keepdown. Their futures appear dour; Isabella is poised to enter a nunnery, Juliet'southward husband (her only source of income and protection) is to exist executed, while the brothels that facilitate Mistress Overdone and Kate Keepdown'due south livelihoods are being closed down by Angelo.

Jacobean Audience

It was a tumultuous time when Shakespeare penned 'Measure for Measure' in 1604. A year before came the stop of the 45 year long Elizabethan era and began the Jacobean era under the rule of King James. Since the late Queen Elizabeth had no straight heirs, King James of Scotland (a relative) took to the throne. Little was known by the English people of this foreign king.

Mayhap, as Shakespeare portrays the ruler in 'Mensurate for Measure' every bit clever and good-hearted, the Bard sought to gratify the king past calming the people and encouraging them to trust in their new monarch.

The playwright characterizes the Duke as loving his people, but not enjoying being earlier their eyes and in the spotlight; much like King James, a tranquility ruler who relished studying privately in his great library.

‍Playhouses and Brothels

The general public (commoners) paid a penny (could purchase yous a loaf of staff of life dorsum in the twenty-four hour period) to see Shakespeare's plays, standing in the "yard"; on the ground, at eye-level of the stage. The rich (gentry) paid 2 pennies for seating in the galleries, oft using cushions. The really rich (nobles) could sentry the play from a chair assail the side of the phase itself. Shakespeare'southward plays were performed at the Globe Theatre. Playhouses in Shakespeare's fourth dimension were often shut to brothels, both in terms of their physical locations in the suburbs and the fashion they were viewed past some of polite guild. Thus, Shakespeare'due south relatively sympathetic portrayal of sexual deviance in 'Measure for Measure' may as well institute a defence of other suburban entertainment—his plays—and a way to humanize lower classes who patronized them.

WRITING Well-nigh 'Measure FOR Mensurate'

If you lot're lucky enough to written report this interesting piece, the study design requires you to prepare "sustained belittling interpretations…discussing how features of the text create meaning and using textual prove to support (your) reasons". Basically, you'll be given a topic; this topic could surround themes, characters, etc., and y'all must write analytically.

While you may choose to structure paragraphs effectually themes, ideas or characters, make sure to embed some historical context in there; that'll bear witness the examiner that you've done your research and have a thorough and deeper understanding of why Shakespeare put this or that in. Talking well-nigh authorial intent in your analytical essay leads to a more in-depth assay.

"Shakespeare portrays characters that are flawed as a result of pre-destined circumstances. These characters, such as bawd Pompey and prostitute Mistress Overdone, lived in a time when in that location existed strong class divides, and motility within the social bureaucracy was rare. As per the "Great Chain of Being", a contemporary religious dogma, there was a bureaucracy of all living things and thing, from lofty God and his angels down through the ranks of men and finally to animals and non-living things. In some cases, attempting to move upward the social ranks was even considered a cursing rejection of the fate chosen by God."

- embedding historical context (The Great Chain of Being) into a paragraph that discusses characters beingness flawed considering of their circumstances

"Shakespeare offers characters such equally Isabella and The Duke who strive for self-improvement through understanding and temperance. Perhaps the playwright suggests that perfection is very difficult if not impossible to attain, even for a ruler like the Duke and a pure soul like Isabella. However, he posits that it tin be strived for and that perhaps this attempt to become amend is what truly matters."

- talking about authorial intent - what is Shakespeare trying to tell us?

Think of it every bit an opportunity to brand your very own soup! Add some themes, stir in character analysis, sprinkle in some quotes and serve with historical context and authorial intent. Just like with a soup, there'southward got exist a expert balance of all your ingredients; exam out different structures during the twelvemonth to find what works for you. (Merely try not to overcook it, like I have washed with this soup metaphor). If you demand more help, How To Write a Standout Measure for Measure out by William Shakespeare Essay is for you!

Then, yous run across, at that place's more than to Shakespeare and 'Measure out for Measure' than just fancy quondam language and iambic pentameter (What's that? Well...). Go along on reading this blog mail, where we'll delve into themes, characters and symbols/motifs. In the meantime, permit's have a intermission. Grab a snack, a drinkable, and savor this tasty Shakespeare meme.

...Aaaaand we're back!

Are you lot fix for office 2 of the Shakespeare train? Hop on board as we explore themes, characters and symbols/motifs.‍‍

THEMES‍

These are the major themes in 'Measure for Measure'.

As yous tin come across, the themes are interconnected. (Do you similar the diagram? Made it myself :)) Why does this matter? Well, if you lot get an essay topic about Justice, for instance, y'all tin too link it to Sexual and Gender Politics as well as Social Decay/Cohesion.

And then, why is any one theme an important theme?

Which moments and characters are these themes related to?

Is there a link to historical context?

What are some primal quotes?

What could be Shakespeare's potential bulletin? (Proceed in mind that depending which pieces of testify you lot look at, the Bard could be saying something unlike. In this piece, we'll just hash out one or two authorial messages. The beauty of Shakespeare is that much is open up to interpretation. Y'all can translate characters and ideas in and so many different ways!)

Those are some bully questions. Permit's explore some of the biggest themes...

Power and Dominance

Power not but dictates the Viennese society, just we come across it is a basis for moral corruption (I'm looking at you, Angelo!). The Duke is the leader of Vienna, ordained past God. He hands this ability to his deputy Angelo, who misuses it in his request of Isabella. Now consider Isabella - she has power too, simply a different kind… As well consider characters who take little to no power - Mistress Overdone, Pompey etc.

This theme could be linked to the Divine Right of Kings, the Bang-up Chain of Being and Women.

• "O, it is excellent to have a giant'south forcefulness, but it is tyrannous to employ it similar a giant" - Isabella when she pleads to Angelo to not kill her blood brother (Human activity 2, Scene 2, Line 130-132)
• "He who the sword of heaven will bear should be as holy equally severe" - The Friar (Duke) to himself, not happy with Angelo's dog movement (Act 3, Scene 1, 538-539)
• "When maidens sue, men requite similar gods" - Lucio to Isabella, encouraging her to convince Angelo not to kill Claudio (Act ii, Scene 1, Line 87-88)
• "Hence we shall see, if power modify purpose, what our seemers be." - The Duke lowkey suggesting that once Angelo gets ability, he'll modify into something evil (Act 1, Scene 4, Line 57)
• "Some ascent past sin, and some past virtue fall." - Escalus is sneakily hating on Angelo. This quote shows that ability and dominance often involve abuse (Act ii, Scene 1, Line 41)

Perhaps Shakespeare is suggesting that power is a dangerous weapon and that in the wrong easily, it could exist deadly.

Morality and Sin

This is an interesting theme. What defines sin? For instance, if Isabella sleeps with Angelo she's sinning before God. But if she doesn't, then she'southward letting her blood brother die, which is not skillful either. Bit of a pickle that i. Some characters to consider include Isabella, Angelo, The Duke, Claudio, Lucio, the Provost…. jeez just well-nigh anybody! So many of the characters have part in questionable deeds. Was it immoral for the Knuckles to pretend to be a holy friar? Is Claudio's sin of impregnating Juliet really punishable by death if both parties were willing, and no one else has been punished for the aforementioned "law-breaking"? Are Pompey and Mistress Overdone being immoral in being in the prostitution business, if it'due south the only fashion to survive?

Deep stuff man. This tin can be linked back to class divides, women and the contemporary playhouses/brothels.

• "What sin you practise to save a blood brother's life, nature dispenses with the deed so far that it becomes a virtue" - Claudio begs his sister to sleep with Angelo (immoral, especially since she's poised to enter a nunnery), saying that it's for a good cause, and volition actually be a virtue/skilful human activity (Act iii, Scene 1, Line 146-148)
• "Might there not exist a charity in sin to salvage this brother's life?" - Angelo asking Isabella to sleep with him and trying to paint the act as a charitable deed (Human action ii, Scene iv, Line 65-66)
• "I am a kind of burr, I shall stick" - Lucio, who represents sin and immorality in Vienna (we'll talk more about this later in symbols/motifs) (Deed 4, Scene 3, Line 182)
• "To bring you thus together 'tis no sin, sith that the justice of your title to him doth flourish the deceit." - The Friar (Duke), encouraging Isabella and Mariana to do the dodgy bed-trick and trick Angelo (Human action 4, Scene 1, Line 79-81)

Perhaps Shakespeare tries to tell us that in that location is a fine line betwixt something moral and something sinful. Perhaps he's request, "who are we to guess?", since we all do questionable things sometimes. Everyone from the almighty Knuckles to a lowly prostitute has committed potentially immoral acts. Perhaps audiences are encouraged to exist more understanding of others, and their reasons for these deeds.

Justice

Mmm, this theme ties in nicely with just about all of the others. How does one define justice? The play explores this thought; does justice mean punishment? Or mercy? How do we residual the two to deliver the right punishment/lack thereof? Characters that manipulate justice include The Duke, Angelo (although they accept differing ideas of justice) and Isabella. Since Vienna is a religious place, consider the divine justice system (ie. a perfect, flawless system meted out by God) and the earthly one (ie. the flawed, man justice system). Laws exist in an endeavor to ensure justice. Only does information technology e'er work? Consider too the One-time and New Attestation ways of thinking - the old strict and punitive, while the latter is more measured and merciful (come across symbols/motifs below for more info).

This theme can exist linked to the Divine Right of Kings, Dandy Chain of Existence, Women, and Jacobean Audience.

• "Justice, justice, justice, justice!" - (Wait, are y'all sure this quote is well-nigh justice?) Isabella pleads for (you guessed it) justice to the Knuckles (no longer dressed as a friar), thinking Angelo has, in fact, killed her brother (Act 5, Scene ane, Line 26)
• "The very mercy of the constabulary cried out… 'An Angelo for Claudio, death for death!' Haste nonetheless pays haste, and leisure answers leisure, like doth quit like, and measure still for measure" - The Knuckles, explaining that it'southward only fair that Angelo dice for "killing" Claudio. (Act v, Scene ane, Line 437-441)
• "liberty plucks justice past the nose" - The Duke tells Friar Thomas that the laws accept slipped over the years, and the citizens of Vienna are not existence punished for immoral deeds (prostitution, sexual practice before marriage etc)

Perhaps Shakespeare says that since we humans are inevitably flawed, that any justice organization created by us will too be imperfect. Who are we to decide the fates of our beau man? Furthermore, the Bard may be encouraging us to be kind when dispensing justice, leaning more to mercy than punishment.

Sexual and Gender Politics

Who run the earth? Gir- no information technology's a bunch of men. This theme contributes to why 'Measure for Mensurate' is a problem play. The exploration of the female characters in this play are very interesting, and kind of sad. Of xx named characters, just five are women. Together, their lines make up only 18% of the play. Yikes! In that location is a lot to unpack hither. Our female characters are Isabella, Mariana, Mistress Overdone, Juliet, Francisca (a nun who speaks twice) and Kate Keepdown (who we never meet). Their situations: a maiden poised to enter a nunnery, a prostitute, a meaning girl about to lose her husband, a nun, and another prostitute. Quite gloomy, isn't it? Meanwhile, the men are leaders (The Duke, deputy Angelo, and ancient lord Escalus) and gentlemen (Lucio, Claudio, and Froth). Over the course of the play, our female characters are put into worse situations past men. Their experiences are dictated past men. Consider taking a "feminist perspective" and exploring 'Measure for Measure' from a female point of view.

This theme links to the Groovy Chain of Being, Women and Playhouses/Brothels.

• "run across how he goes about to abuse me!" - These are the concluding words nosotros hear from Mistress Overdone, as she calls out Lucio for betraying her even though she kept secrets for him. All this happens while she's being carted off to prison in just Human action iii! What practise you call back Shakespeare is saying to us? (Human action 3, Scene i, Line 481)
• "Then was your sin of heavier kind than his" - The Friar (Duke) says to Juliet that she sinned more than Claudio, even though their sin was "mutually committed". Even though they were both consenting, the adult female is blamed more. Consider what would go of Juliet if Claudio was executed. She'd probably cease up similar Mistress Overdone... (Human activity 2, Scene iii, Line 31)
• "Who volition believe thee, Isabel?" - Angelo says this after Isabella threatens to reveal his disgusting asking. Ouch. It actually goes to show how untrustworthy women are deemed.  (Act ii, Scene 4, Line 163)
• "Why, you lot are nada then: neither maid, widow, nor wife?" - The Knuckles says this to Mariana. Basically, he says a woman can but be those 3 things. Jeez. (Act 5, Scene one, Line 196-197)
• "When maidens sue, men give like gods" - Lucio to Isabella, encouraging her to convince Angelo not to impale Claudio. So, perhaps women do accept some power. But, it'south due to their sexuality; something evaluated by men. Bang-up. (Act ii, Scene 1, Line 87-88)

Perhaps Shakespeare suggests that women are treated unfairly in order. Maybe he posits that women are afforded and then few opportunities in a man's world. The Bard potentially says that such sexual and gender politics do not create a cohesive and just gild.

Mercy

This theme, once again, connects to many others. It can link to all groups of people (The wealthy, the poor, women, criminals etc). Nigh of the mercy is dispensed at the end of the play when the Duke does his grand reveal. Characters who choose to mete out mercy over punishment include The Duke and Isabella. As well consider Angelo, who instead of choosing to spare Claudio, decides to kill him to uphold a law that hasn't seen anyone punished for the same deed. We might think this is harsh, just information technology a legal and lawful conclusion.

Connect this thought with historical context, specifically Jacobean audience and playhouses/brothels.

• "I find an apt remission in myself" - Apt remission = gear up forgiveness. The Duke says this later pardoning Angelo (Human action v, Scene 1, Line 539)
• "pray thee take this mercy to provide for ameliorate times to come up" - The Duke pardons murderer Barnadine, asking him to use it to practise better. How lovely!  (Act v, Scene 1, Line 525-526)
• "let us be keen (shrewd/sharp), and rather cut a picayune than fall and bruise to death" - Escalus says this to Angelo, who wants to enact all strict laws immediately. The e'er-reliable Escalus advises Angelo to be lenient and merciful. (Act 2, Scene i, Line 6-7)
• "Mercy is not itself that oft looks so, pardon is still the nurse of 2d woe" - Escalus says this, defending Angelo'south decision to punish Claudio. He suggests that sometimes existence merciful can encourage further wrongdoing. (Act 2, Scene one, Line 282-283")
• "I show it (pity) nearly of all when I show justice" - Angelo says to Isabella that he is showing Claudio pity/mercy by punishing him. A house believer in the law, Angelo thinks he's doing the right thing and teaching Claudio a lesson by punishing him.  (Act ii, Scene ii, Line 123)

Perhaps Shakespeare encourages u.s. to look at mercy and punishment from unlike perspectives. Angelo believes he is punishing Claudio for his own adept, and cleaning up Vienna of lechery likewise. Perchance we ought to be merciful in our stance of the deputy. Nonetheless, the Bard shows that in the case of young Claudio, mercy and forgiveness is the right path to choose. Finally, consider why Shakespeare may take portrayed a merciful leader to his Jacobean audition. Perhaps if he were to portray a leader as fair and merciful, the Jacobean audience would trust that their new rex (a man similar in graphic symbol to the Duke) could be kind and merciful also. Earning the favour of the rex and writing a killer play? He's killed ii birds with one stone.

Human Frailty & Fallibility

I've encountered many essay topics most how humans are flawed and imperfect. Information technology'due south a pretty big theme in many texts, not but in our friend William Shakespeare'due south. Human fallibility is to blame for a lot of the going-ons in 'Measure for Mensurate'. Angelo takes the police also seriously, he gets middle eyes for Isabella and kills Claudio even though he thinks he's slept with Isabella. Why? He wants to save his ain ass, fearing Claudio volition seek vengeance. The Knuckles is flawed too. He's a leader, but he only avoids his issues, leaving Angelo in accuse to bargain with them. Then he plans to swoop in and look like a hero. Kinda dodgy. Consider Claudio and Juliet too. They, similar Angelo, succumbed to lust and slept together before they were officially married. (Sigh, humans only can't get it right.) It'south likewise worth thinking about the "low-lives" and poorer characters. Are the poor delicate in a different way? For example, Mistress Overdone keeps Lucio's secrets for him. In that way she is virtuous. Nevertheless, she sells her trunk to survive. Possibly she is not prone to desire similar Angelo, but serves another desire - a desire to survive?

In terms of historical context, consider the Divine Right of Kings, the Great Concatenation of Being and Playhouses/Brothels.

• "They say best men are moulded out of faults, and for the most become much more the better for being a little bad" - Mariana pleads to Isabella to back up her in begging the Duke to pardon (her new husband) Angelo. She is optimistic for man, believing our bad deeds can lead to self-comeback. (Human activity 5, Scene 5, Line 473-475)
• "Why, all the souls that were were forfeit once" - Isabella pleads to Angelo to pardon Claudio. She states that all souls were flawed earlier Christ offered redemption. (Human action 2, Scene 2, Line 93)
• "I speak not as desiring more, but rather wishing a more strict restraint" - Isabella is speaking to a nun as she is poised to enter the ranks of the nunnery. Nosotros usually think of a nun as living a very strict life, but Isabella wants it fifty-fifty stricter! Here we run across her flaw is that her thinking is too singular and blinkered. (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 3-four)
• "Lord Angelo is precise, stands at baby-sit with envy, scarce confesses that his blood flows, or that his appetite is more to bread than rock." - The Duke talks almost how unhuman Angelo is. The deputy follows rules very closely, almost to the point where he's like a car. His nature is too strict.  (Act 1, Scene 5, Line 53-56)
• "I dearest the people, only do not like to stage me to their optics" - The Knuckles says this to Angelo and Escalus as he hands over power to his deputy. Even the Duke is not perfect, in that he does not like being earlier crowds of his people (Act 1, Scene 2, Line 72-73)

Mayhap Shakespeare suggests that no one is truly perfect, non even a leader supposedly ordained by God, a law-abiding deputy, or a maiden who is poised to enter a nunnery. However while Angelo is overcome by his animalism and emotion, the Duke and Isabella attempt to better themselves by showing mercy and temperance. Maybe Shakespeare suggests trying to improve one's flawed self is most important.

God, Organized religion and Spirituality

Phew, we're at our last theme. So, order in Vienna is very much religious. Their behavior dictate deportment and laws inside the city. Some very religious characters include Isabella and Angelo. However, our novice nun, who is obsessed with virtue and chastity, agrees to and takes function in the bed-trick, a charade that is non peculiarly Christian. Our lusty deputy too succumbs, hellishly propositioning a maiden to slumber with him in commutation for her brother'due south life. Fifty-fifty The Duke, supposedly semi-divine, makes some dubious choices. He spends almost of the play posed as a holy human being, even though he is non. He plans the bed-play tricks to deceive Angelo and lets poor Isabella retrieve her poor brother is dead, instead of saving her so much pain. Furthermore, the title of the tale, 'Measure for Measure', comes from the Gospel of Matthew. (Run across symbols/motifs for more deets). The question of how much we should let religion dictate united states of america is some other reason this piece is a problem play.

The theme of God and Organized religion tin can link to historical context such equally the Divine Correct of Kings.

• "more than than our brother is our chastity" - (Deed three, Scene one, Line 194) and "Better it were a brother died at one time, than that a sis by redeeming him should dice forever" - (Human action two, Scene 4, Line 111-113) show that Isabella values her chastity and virtue over her brother!! Damn girl!
• "Ay, but to die, and go we know not where, to lie in cold obstruction and to rot" - Claudio tells Isabella that he fears the uncertainty of decease. Perhaps his belief in a heaven has left him in the wake of his impending death? (Act three, Scene one, Line 129-130)
• "Let'southward write skillful angel on the devil's horns - 'tis not the devil'south crest" - Angelo is talking to himself about his animalism for Isabella. It's an appearance vs reality (ooh another theme!) kind of idea, where you can try to pretend something is something else (ie. Angelo doesn't lust subsequently Isabella), but it doesn't change the thing (ie. he's still groovy). The deputy is comparison his emotions to these religious extremes. (Act 2, Scene 4, Line 16-17)

Perhaps Shakespeare criticises religious extremism in his portrayal of characters like Isabella and Angelo. Or maybe he just wants usa to remain open up-minded about ideas and our spirituality.

Yikes, there are so many themes in this play! Let's movement it along, and talk a niggling bit almost characters.

CHARACTERS

Each character can be viewed in different lights, even more and so than themes can be. Nosotros're going to discuss characters very briefly because it's upwards to you how you want to read them.

Here are the characters, in social club of how much they speak in the play. To continue things short, allow'due south pretend these are all tinder bios. Who would you lot swipe correct on? (Hint: not Lucio)

The Duke

• super chill (the chivalrous ruler of Vienna who'due south let the laws slip a trivial)
  
• loves dressing up (really spends most of the play disguised as a friar)
  
• clever/cunning (secretly counteracts the injustices decreed by Angelo)
  

Isabella

• strong morals (would rather her brother die than she lives in shame)
  
• tin can get wild (conspires with the Duke to complete the bed-trick)
  
• holy gal (poised to enter a nunnery)
  

Lucio

• a gentleman (well, his title is. He'southward rude most the Knuckles and abandoned a prostitute that he got pregnant, so maybe he'due south non that kind of gentleman)
  
• loves attention (legit! He's a pocket-size character only he has the third nearly lines of them all! Lucio loves to stir the pot!)
  
• loves some symbolism (Lucio represents all the bad stuff in Vienna…..meet symbols/motifs)
  

Angelo

• plays by the rules (a piffling besides much)
  
• hypocrite (Sentences Claudio to death for sex earlier marriage, while asking the same thing of Isabella…. wow we've found our adversary)
  
• Deep (Angelo is a bit of a complex character. He seems aware of his misdeeds and struggles to deal with these desires. It's difficult not to pity him at times)
  

Escalus

• reliable (consistently counsels Angelo confronting acting too harshly)
  
• virtuous (he'south merciful, lets Pompey go with a warning in Act ii Scene 1)
  
• loyal (trusts in the Duke)
  

Provost

• hard worker (he's a prison house ward)
  
• virtuous (does what'south right past him, disobeying Angelo'due south orders to behead Claudio)
  
• sorcerer (not actually, but he makes Angelo believe that pirate Ragozine's head is Claudio'due south)
  

Pompey

• clever (philosophically debates whether prostitution is worse than murder)
  
• funny (his grapheme is the clown, and he'south got some sassy comebacks)
  
• poor (Pompey is a bawd employed by Mistress Overdone. Not the best dating bio)
  

Claudio

• downwards for a expert time ;) (impregnates Juliet before they are officially married)
  
• cool family (he's Isabella's brother)
  
• adept hearted (initially is horrified at Angelo's request of Isabella, maxim she shouldn't exercise it. Unfortunately, his fear of decease get's to him. After he's calmed down, he'south accepting of expiry)
  

Elbow

• a man in uniform (a policeman)
  
• a little impaired (he speaks a lot of malapropisms - hilariously using similar but incorrect words)
  
• not like Pompey (Pompey is a clever poor human, while Elbow is a policeman who'southward a little fleck all over the place)
  

Mariana

• dedicated (still in love with Angelo fifty-fifty though he called off their appointment because her dowry was lost)
  
• a willing accomplice (participates in the bed-trick)
  

Mistress Overdone

• poor (she's a prostitute, who fears for her livelihood when Angelo announces he's destroying all the brothels)
  
• practiced hearted (kept Lucio'due south surreptitious. What secret? Read on…)
  

Abhorson

• works for the Duke (every bit an executioner…. there's no style to brand that sound nice)
  
• doesn't accept a great proper noun (c'mon information technology's true)
  

Juliet

• also likes to have a good time ;) (pregnant before official marriage)
  
• dependent (if Claudio dies she will probably end upwards as a prostitute to survive)
  

Male child

• can sing (Mariana asks him to sing a sad vocal about how she lost her beloved Angelo)
  

Francisca

• holy gal (she is a nun)
  

Kate Keepdown (we never actually encounter this grapheme)

• a colleague of Mistress Overdone (a prostitute)
  
• unmarried mum (Lucio got her pregnant and so ran away. He thinks marrying a prostitute is alike to whipping and hanging)
  

Ragozine (we never really meet this character)

• dies (legit that'due south all he does)

SYMBOLS & MOTIFS

These are people, objects, words etc that represent a theme or idea. For instance, the fact that I've used a bad soup metaphor AND a tinder reference means I demand to become outside more. Merely permit's move on…

Title

The championship, "Measure for Measure out" draws from the gospel of Matthew. The idea of heavenly justice vs earthly justice is prominent throughout the text. Moreover, it's worth exploring the Sometime Attestation ways of "an centre for an eye" and "measure for measure" in comparison to the New Testament teachings which lean towards forgiveness and mercy. Now, where do the Duke'south actions fit in? Is he harsh and equalising? Is he just and sympathetic?

New Attestation vs. Old Testament

When the Duke sentences Angelo to death, he makes a fancy speech communication which includes the play'south title.

"'An Angelo for Claudio, death for death!

Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure.

Like doth quit similar, and measure even so for measure."

Act 5, Scene 1, Line 439-441

This mimics the Onetime Testament views, which famously states "center for center, molar for molar" (Exodus 21:24). These ideals teach that the person who committed a misdeed shall have the same misdeed done unto them. (For example, if you don't like my new Facebook profile pic, I'grand not liking yours…..simply way more than severe.)

In comparing, the New Testament states that we "Be merciful, just every bit your Father is merciful. Do non judge, and y'all volition not exist judged. Do non condemn, and y'all will not be condemned. Forgive, and yous will be forgiven." (Luke 6:36-37)

So, when sentencing Angelo the Duke employs the words of the Old Testament. However, he doesn't go through with Angelo's execution, instead showing the mercy encouraged past the New Attestation. He'due south not actually following either fashion. Maybe he'due south instead choosing a middle route; ane of temperance and justice.

Lucio

Wait, who? We oasis't mentioned the "admirer" Lucio much in the plot and in this blog post. That's considering he doesn't really do that much other than fizz around and badger everyone. Maybe that's why his proper name rhymes with mosquito….

Regardless, nosotros do see plenty of Lucio's character to learn that he'southward non a very squeamish person. He treats Mistress Overdone and Pompey poorly, makes visits to the brothel, doesn't accept responsibility for his deportment (getting Kate Keepdown pregnant) and bad-mouths the Duke. So aye, nosotros don't like Lucio, what's the big deal? Well, in Act iv, Scene 4 Line 182, Lucio says something very intriguing.

"I am a kind of burr, I shall stick."

Burr - those little brownish prickly things that go stuck to you lot.

We can think of Lucio as representing all the sins and misdeeds in Vienna - lechery, immorality, lack of justice, selfishness etc. Hence, Lucio is maxim that these shortcomings and flaws volition always exist nowadays to people and in Vienna, sticking to the city like a nasty burr. Damn, that'southward deep.

Prose/Verse

The metre of the poesy (ie. the archetype Shakespeare writing) in ''Measure for Mensurate"  is iambic pentameter. This means that each line is divided into 5 feet. Inside each pes, there is one unstressed syllable followed by a stressed 1.

Consider:

I'll TELL him Nevertheless of ANgelO'Southward request, And FIT his MIND to Death, for HIS soul'south Balance. (Human action ii, Scene iv, Line 195-196)

Poesy does not take to rhyme, equally the to a higher place lines practice. Shakespeare often employs a rhyming couplet to close a scene and add some drama.

Poetry is usually reserved for the college class citizens, with those who are less fortunate speaking in prose.

Prose is language in its ordinary course, with no metre.

Sure characters, such as Lucio, switch between poetry and prose depending on who they are speaking to. This could allude to Lucio's duplicity, or perhaps a deep understanding of class divides in Vienna.

Names: Escalus and Angelo

Escalus is the always reasonable and loyal lord and shut confidant of the Knuckles. His proper noun gives connotations of scales and balance - characteristic of the rational man.

Angelo's name has connotations of "angel". If we guess him only past his name, he should be a pure and heavenly being. Bah! That's so fake! Nosotros can meet that appearance is very dissimilar from reality. Isabella notices this too, stating that "this outward-sainted deputy...is yet a devil" (Act iii, Scene i, Line 95-98).

Angelo's Words/Actions

There is so much to unpack about this douchebag. Let us briefly consider 2 ideas. When he propositions Isabella to sleep with him, he requests that she "lay down the treasures of (her) body" (Act 2, Scene 4, Line 100).

Firstly, that'due south weird. Perhaps Angelo can be seen as someone who is obsessed with the physical - Isabella's body and treasure. Maybe this obsession leads to his immorality and poor leadership.

Secondly, Angelo struggles to directly say, "hey, let's sleep together". He weaves his mode effectually the request, propositioning Isabella so indirectly that at first, she does not even seem to sympathize his asking! However, in one case she threatens to tell everyone about his vile need, he speaks bluntly; "Who will believe thee, Isabel?" (Act two, Scene 4, Line 163). Mayhap this shows Angelo is cocky-enlightened that he's being an ass. Or maybe this scene is yet more evidence of a patriarchal society, with the men knowing very well the ability they agree.

Ragozine

Nosotros never actually meet this beau. Ragozine is a pirate who dies in jail while "Measure for Measure" unfolds. His head is used in place of Claudio's to convince Angelo of the sometime'southward execution. Fascinatingly, Ragozine is the but person who dies in the unabridged play. ALSO, he dies of natural causes. Interesting. It feels similar the play is total of expiry, grief and many heads on the chopping block. But curiously, there is only i death, of a minor character, of natural causes. Perhaps this says something about fate and justice or offers some commentary on life and hope.

Elbow vs. Pompey

Elbow is a dizzy policeman who speaks in malapropisms (using a similar merely wrong word for humorous effect). Pompey is a clever pimp who seems to have a deep agreement of justice and the Viennese people. The comparison of these characters, fortunate and dumb to unfortunate and clever, perhaps serves to show that the law is not always apt and that sometimes those who pause the police are more clever than information technology.

Mistress Overdone (or lack thereof)

Mistress Overdone is a pitiable prostitute. She worries for her survival when Angelo begins pulling down the brothels, and she keeps Lucio's bastard kid a hush-hush, only for him to throw her nether the coach to salve his own skin. The concluding we see of Mistress Overdone is her getting carted off to prison, crying "Meet how he goes nearly to abuse me!" (Act 3, Scene ane, Line 481) Yes, the concluding we witness of one of five speaking female person characters is of her imminent incarceration. Furthermore, this happens in Act iii of 5, around halfway through the play! The audience never hears from Mistress Overdone again, and her future is left uncertain. Even Barnadine, a convicted murderer, is given freedom and a happy ending.

Consider writing a few sentences of your essay from a feminist's perspective. Think about the events of the play from the female characters' points of view. What is Shakespeare maxim by portraying Mistress Overdone (and other women) in such a way? Peradventure he is pointing out the injustices of the patriarchal organization, or how uncertain a adult female'southward life was in his contemporary time.

"Measure for Measure" truly is an incredible text. This blog postal service is by no means an exhaustive list of all its quirks and complexities. This play's relevance has survived centuries, and I believe it volition go on to be pertinent to audiences well into the futurity. Yous are very lucky to be studying a text with such universal themes and ideas that y'all can comport with you even after high school.

Source: https://www.vcestudyguides.com/blog/animal-farm

Posted by: bruggemaninden1957.blogspot.com

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