Deception In Angelo's 'Vengeance For Measure'

Eyes and Teeth

(An Analysis of the Title of Measure for Measure)

An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Who ever thought that was a good idea? The answer to this million dollar question is, you guessed it, God. When questioning the brutality of humankind it is necessary to consult the area of theology in the theories of origin of bad feelings. In Measure for Measure, the reference to Christian theology is apparent, especially when it comes to the radical laws of the town of Vienna. Claudio received the worst end of the deal possible when he is sentenced to death for impregnating his fiancée, Juliet, before they have been married. And yet, despite his pleading, Angelo will not hear reason and his sentence will stand. The themes of deception

The judgement of other characters that is directed toward Claudio is quite alarming. Most significant is the judgment of Angelo, who believes Claudio has committed a crime worthy of death, but will be willing to commit the same transgressions when given the opportunity. “In other words, what you do unto others, they will do unto you. This is the lesson that Angelo learns.”(Gradesaver). The hypocrisy displayed by Angelo will dismay not only readers, but almost every character within the text. The text was written in a time when religion was at its peak. As Ciccolella puts it, “In the middle of all this, Shakespeare wrote a play about the need for a balance between justice and mercy.” (Ciccolella). When discussing this hypocrisy, it is necessary to discuss the verse of the Bible which inspires the title. To quote, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with that judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure you meet, it shall be measured unto you again.” (Matthew 7:1-2). The danger of hypocrisy is that you will be judged by God in the same way you have judged

Another interpretation of the title lends itself to the justice system and how it operates among the citizens of Vienna. The justice system is operated in the same way that it was doled out in Old Testament times, “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” However, we learned from Mahatma Ghandi long ago, that this way of thinking will never solve any of the world’s problems. However, it does not prevent Claudio’s sentence to death for impregnating his fiancée. Though the two are in love, and the act is completely consensual, it is still thought necessary for Claudio to be sentenced more harshly than even some murderers are today. As Chedzgoy says, “On the one hand, the plot shows the traumatic consequences of extending the legal surveillance of social behaviour into the bedroom; and on the other, it shows how hard it can be to expose and condemn the misuse of public power for sexual purposes.” (Chedzgoy). The justice system was adjusted so that only certain people could be sentenced for their