Comparing The Prince and Measure for Measure Essay

Parallels Between The Prince and Measure for Measure The parallels between Machiavellis Prince and Shakespeares Measure for Measure are significant. The great majority of characters in Measure for Measure - the Duke, Angelo, Claudio, Pompey and even Isabella - display Machiavellian qualities. A comparison of key passages, both of The Prince and Measure for Measure, will establish this clearly. A study of kingship, arguably the entire premise for Measure for Measure, is immediately introduced in the first scene, with the Dukes declaration Of government the properties to unfold/ Would seem in me taffect speech and discourse. It is not until the third scene of act one, however, that this political discussion†¦show more content†¦By not enforcing a law which the vast majority of citizens - the base and the noble - at some point transgress, Vincentio ensures the stability of his position. The appointment of Angelo as deputy is complex, to say the least, and can be variously interpreted. We could assume that the Dukes remarks display his awareness of the hypocrisy of personally enforcing the law - Sith twas my fault to give the people scope, Twould be my tyranny to strike and gall them For what I bid them do (I.iii.36-38). Of course, one may just as easily argue that the Dukes newfound morality is a direct result of the realisation that he, like the rod of the law, is perhaps more mocked than feared (I.iii.28). This interpretation is given credence when we consider the possibility that Lucios remarks regarding the Duke may to some degree be representative of a general spirit of disdain rather than just a humorous product of his bawdy and irreverent nature. Neither must we forget the Dukes own avowal which is couched in very negative (and martial) terms: I have on Angelo imposed the office,Show MoreRelatedAnne Sextons Cinderella1534 Words   |  7 Pagesis no way to live happily ever after. 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