"Measure for Measure"

Paper Summary:

This paper summarizes and analyzes "Measure for Measure" by William Shakespeare, explaining that the comedy is about power, trust and the abuse of power.

From the Paper:

"He takes ample occasion to expound on his values - which are empty at the core. When Claudio is facing the realization that he might be killed for his sister's morality, the Duke gives him a "pep talk" which might drive anyone to suicide. Vincentio tells him to "be absolute for death" [III.i.4] and explains that life isn't worth living in the first place: "Thou hast nor youth, nor age,/ But as it were an after-dinner's sleep/ Dreaming on both.../...and when thou art old and rich,/ Thou hast neither heat, affection, limb nor beauty/ To make thy riches pleasant." [III.i.32-38] This sort of absolute nihilism leads us to believe that the Duke holds no meaning in life, and that his antics are a result of this meaninglessness. They are carried out without moral purpose, for the sheer pleasure of torment. Thus Vincentio serves as a reminder of the consequences which stem from the apathy of authority."

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