Self-Interest in "Measure for Measure" Analytical Essay by Jay Writtings LLC

The paper describes how in "Measure for Measure", Shakespeare presents several characters whose actions, supposedly taken in furtherance of justice, are extremely confusing. The paper first looks at Angelo's pursuance of swift and harsh punishment that transforms from a desire to give meaning to the law into a selfish and malicious agenda. Then, the paper contrasts Angelo to Lucio and focuses on Lucio's attempts to save Claudio and his carefree gossip with the Friar. Finally, the paper shows how the Duke's actions seem duplicitous in that he professes to want to establish order and justice, but is only willing to reach this end by underhanded means.