Measure for Measure seems to be more of a philosophy of government rather than a mere play. Throughout the play, Shakespeare provides critical examination of the role of government to take part in the following; liberation and restraint to the people, law enforcement and punishment, marriage customs and legislations, exercise of power and authority among other functions.
Restraint and liberty
Escalus’s complementary comments that portrays the Duke as one gentleman exhibiting all temperance, basically means that the latter is modest. This is one of the biggest compliments that have been paid to the Duke in the entire play. The play offers an examination of striking balance between two extremes, for instance, in the play; Shakespeare examines specific extremes of too much restraint and too much liberty. Through the use of the sexual license and jail punishments as two elements of these respective extremes, he offers a critical manifestation regarding the extent to which human beings should be given the freedom to do whatever pleases them and just how much restrictions should be imposed on them. These aspects of human nature are still prevailing in the contemporary society, as all over the world, human liberty and rights are balanced against the state powers.
Sexual relations, beliefs and behaviors are significantly run in parallelism to the play’s main plot. Ranging from Isabella’s decision in joining nunnery, the Duke’s proposals to Mariana to Angelo’s request of chastity in exchange for Claudio’s life all demonstrate these ideas and consequently bears huge impact on the plot itself. In summary, all the sexual relations and immoralities depicted in these scenes gives us an idea of judgment and governorship.
Law enforcement and punishment
Marriage customs and laws
Even though the church expected the use of religious service during marriages, some other marriage and betrothal forms were equally allowed by the common English law, and their relevance can be seen in Measure for Measure. Angelo and Mariana, for instance, were betrothed; meaning that they had an agreement to marry each other in the future. However, in the event that certain conditions like non-fulfillment of dowry, this agreement could be set aside. Angelo wanted to set aside the marriage agreement following Mariana’s loss of her dowry. Nonetheless, those who had been betrothed by ‘de futuro’ agreements were not allowed to tamper with their relationships if such relationships had shared in physical consummation. It is for this reason that the Duke suggested to Marina to get to sleep with Angelo so that they could complete their marriage.
In technical terms, it was a sinful act of engaging in sexual practice before conducting a marriage in church. However, the morality exhibited by the Duke can be easily seen; while comparing Angelo and Claudio, we notice that Claudio’s honorable nature out ways that of Angelo, even though Angelo had legal rights in support of breaking his pre-marriage contract. More or less events that take place in the plot are reflections of the current systems that we use to govern ourselves both socially and administratively.
Conclusion
In summary, the play “Measure for Measure” by Shakespeare might look just like any other ordinary comedy or tragic drama as others call it, but the truth of the matter is that it offers a perfect political philosophy of governing and ruling. The play covers both social and administrative aspects of leadership. The lessons from this play can be used to shape our political and social leadership skills in restoring law, order and sanity in our already corrupt society both regarding moral values and administration of justice.
