Claudio, Isabella before the Ruler

The actions of Angelo strikingly mirror those of our last governor, who was forced to resign as a result of his extramarital affairs with call girls.  Notice how he exerts himself as a “god” simply because the Duke chooses to have him serve as deputy governor in his stead. Angelo’s misdeeds escalate as he attempts to manipulate the people by sanctioning or rather reinforcing the existing laws to “clean up Vienna.” He becomes overzealous, domineering, didactic and dogged in his government.  He jails Claudio for having sex with Juliet before marriage in an attempt to make him an example before the Viennese nationals, as if he is God himself.  He further attempts to force himself on Claudio’s sister, Isabella, by forcing her to have sex with him in order to release Claudio from jail, which sounds so familiar to the blackmail stories that we read about in the newspapers today. I couldn’t help but to notice how some people, when given the responsibility -by the public- to govern, allow their newly delegated powers -go to their head. Like our past governor, who was known for his legal prowess in seeking to bring law-breakers to justice, was himself caught in the very same web of deceit. It’s simply ironic, how this play from the 16^th century could depict events -of today -with such startling similarities. Of course, like our past governor, the Duke finds out the truth… and Angelo is forced to confess, and in the end – Claudio is pardoned and Isabella marries the Duke.

(Photo found @ http://www.wsu.edu:8001/~delahoyd/shakespeare/measure5.html )