Angelo defends his conviction and execution of Claudio in Act 2 in the face of Escalus' protests that he himself might one day find himself in the same situation. He argues that
I do not deny
The jury passing on the prisoner's life
May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two
Guiltier than him they try. . . . [But]
You may not so extenuate his offense
For I have had such faults; but rather tell me,
When I that censure him do so offend,
Let mine own judgment pattern out my death,
And nothing come in partial (2.1.19-21;29-33).
In this speech he argues that empathy has no place in jurisprudence and that a judge's own vice and guilt should play no role in her rulings. Yet, is this ideal of consistency too difficult to achieve? Isn't this a recipe for hypocrisy? After all, even the virtuous Angelo (his name suggests virtuous perfection) fails to live up to his own strict standards. Yet, on the other hand, when his crime (the very same act of fornication he convicts Claudio of committing) he clings to his ideal of consistency and retribution: "But let my trial be mine own confession./ Immediate sentence then and sequent death / Is all the grace I beg." (5.1.418-20).
What is this play telling us about such things as hypocrisy and consistency?
Measure for Measure is trying to tell us that it is impossible to have a legal system that is both strict and consistent, due to the fragile self-control of humankind. Angelo is initially presented as a moral pillar (an angel, if you will). In regards to the harsh sentence he puts on Claudio, he says, "You may not so extenuate his offence / For I have had such faults; but rather tell me, / When I, that censure him, do so offend, / Let mine own judgment pattern out my death, / And nothing come in partial. Sir, he must die. (2.1.28-33)." While this sentence is harsh, Angelo believes it is vital to the good of the state that it be enforced. He has every intention at this point to be an upright judge. He could never see himself making the same mistakes Claudio made, but that soon changes. When he falls in love with Isabella, he remarks "How often dost thou with thy case, thy habit, / Wrench awe from fools and tie the wiser souls / To thy false seeming! Blood, thou art blood: / Let’s write good angel on the devil’s horn: / ’Tis not the devil’s crest (2.4.13-17)." This is where Shakespeare makes his case. He is arguing that even those with the best intentions are still human, unable to control themselves. Angelo later even asks himself how he would be able to sentence Claudio while he wants to love Isabella. He tries to put his feelings aside and uphold the strict rule of law, but he fails. Ultimately, the play shows us that even when the justice system has the best intentions at heart, the whims of man will always get in the way of true and non-hypocritical justice. Angels, simply put, aren't real.
ReplyDeleteThroughout Measure for Measure, merciful justice is coupled with strict enforcement of the law when it comes to governing citizens. However, Shakespeare alludes to the belief that a strict, yet consistent government is unattainable, as even the most prominent leaders are unable to withstand temptations. Lucio explains that Angelo's harsh rule is due to his virtuous characteristics and righteous ways, resulting in an inability to comprehend human vulnerabilities. This is demonstrated as Angelo mercilessly condemns Claudio to death, after he participated in the ostensibly immoral act of fornification, thereby violating the law. Isabella perceived this as a harsh punishment, and begged Angelo to liberate her brother. However, Angelo claimed to take refuge behind the law stating, "Be you content, fair maid. It is the law, not I, condemn your brother. Were he my kinsman, brother, or my son, It should be thus with him. He must die tomorrow" (2.2.104-107). Furthermore, the Angelo claims that it is the law, rather than him, that had condemned Claudio. However, Angelo fails to uphold his ethical ways of ruling after falling in love with Isabella. Desperate for affection, Angelo tells Isabella that the only way to keep her brother alive is to partake in the act of fornification. Speaking of his death sentence, Angelo states, “He shall not, Isabel, if you give me love” (2.4.155). This action sheds a light on the hypocrisy of Angelo’s rule. Despite his once virtuous actions, Angelo succumbed to temptation. Shakespeare uses Angelo in Measure for Measure to show that corruption is innate within mankind, and therefore balancing a strict, yet consistent government is unattainable.
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