Measure 4 Measure Analysis

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Measure for Measure The concept of Virtue Ethics analyzes ones moral character and set of values as their primary incentive for any behavior they exhibit in any given scenario. The scope of virtue ethics examines essentially the type of person involved in a specific scenario and what they would do in a certain instance, and what their subsequent behavior reveals about their moral character (Pojman and Vaughn 376-419). In the play, Measure for Measure, the unraveling adversity throughout the storyline reveals the true moral character of numerous characters, Angelo and Isabella in particular who are shown to have two completely contrasting sets of morals. The theme of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, generally considered a comedy, deals with issues concerning justice, veracity and, clemency. The initial incident of the play fueling the rest of the events was Angelo sentencing Claudio to death for premarital sex, as Claudio had engaged in sexual acts with his lover Julia who was pregnant with his child, being that they intended to marry. The rising action of the play reveals the true moral character of both Angelo, and Claudio’s sister Isabella. When Isabella learns of her brother’s death sentence, she arranges to meet with Angelo to plead for her brother’s life. Angelo presents her with an ultimatum, that if she yields her virginity to him, he will spare Claudio from death. This proposed ultimatum speaks volumes about Angelo’s true character. Angelo acting as an embodiment of the law intending to “clean up” the city by abolishing immoral behavior sentenced Claudio to die for premarital sex. If Isabella accepted the ultimatum and had sex with Angelo, Angelo is thus a hypocrite for sleeping with a girl he isn’t married to. Essentially, committing the same crime that he had sentenced a man to die for (Nagarajan 115-119). Elaborating, on the events
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