Measure for Measure
Comments(3) Something that stuck out for me in yesterday’s discussion dealt with the original question: is this a moral or a moralizing play (particularly in connection with the “flip version” of is it a sexy play)?? I would argue that it is both, and both sides are connected to the idea of it’s sexiness or not. It’s certainly moral in some way because there is a fight against hypocrisy and abuse of power, but it also seems moralizing in the sense that Shakespeare is certainly making a comment about the strictures of such traditional and male-centered conventions–and, in both case, the entire question fo morality centers on Angelo, who has clearly been set up as the foil for the Duke. I was also wondering, where is Juliette this whole time in the play? I think one of the major questions we have had in this class is the role of women amd how present they are. The one woman who seems the most present in this play is Isabella and yet the entire play is really about Juliette.
Well actually, I feel the entire play is about Angelo and Isabella. Yes, Juliette and Isabella’s brother set up the drama for the characters, but I feel like it is more meant to depict people and how their belief systems change when they are in different situations. For example, Angelo is very strict on the outside, but in private out of simple malicousness, he wants Isabella to give up his virginity to him..
As mentioned in class, Juliette has played the role of the mute. If she did become part of the play, I think it would bring too many changes to it. Thought we can sort off play around with the idea of the role and character that she would be able to portray in it. She could be a shy woman who doesn’t speak either way, she can be a sorrowful woman, who doesn’t stop winning and crying, or one of my favorites, she can be a woman that blames her “husband” for all the problems he has put her through. Including taking away her virginity by seducing her to an extent where she could not deny him. (lol)
I had the pleasure of viewing Measure for Measure in its entirety and I must say I enjoyed it. During one of the classes everyone pretty much disagreed about there being humorous, after watching it I think it had moments where I did laugh. Such as when Pompey was about to be sent to prison and another instance when he was asked a question about Miss Overdone. Also the scene in which Lucio accompanies Isabella to try get him to persuade Antonio to pardon her brother. After viewing this play it made me want to go back and view the plays we discussed throughout class because just reading them isn’t enough to really understand as well as get the feel for them.