Measure for Measure Essay: The Growth of Angelo and Pompey

The Growth of Angelo and Pompey in Measure for Measure It is very(prenominal) difficult for a state to impose morality on its citizens since morality have a tendency to be relative. Adding to the complexity is the fact that everyone has sinned - the enforcer is as much at fault as the accused. This problem comes to a boil in Shakespeares play, Measure for Measure, where Angelo enforces the last sentence for criminal conversation against Claudio. Angelo then uses Claudios problem as leverage to get his sister to set the same crime with him. Throughout this play, Angelos sins are exposed to him and he goes with a repentance, payment, and growth process. The same happens to seedy Pompey. Angelos sin is blackmailing Claudios sister, Isabella, with the death of her comrade if she does not sleep with him, ...and that there were No earthly menas to save him, barely that either You must lay down the treasures of your body (2.4.95-97). Isabella and the disguised duke and know the sin. With no one to enforce the laws of morality on Angelo, he has the freedom to rape the helpless. The crime Angelo is going to commit is known and anticipation by him. He does not come to the realization that this is wrong until he has no other choice, hast though or word, or wit, or impudence, That nonetheless can do thee office? If thou hast, Rely upon it till my history be heard, And hold no longer out. (5.1.371-374). The selfishness has caught up with Angelo and he realizes the entirely way out is to repent, I should be guiltier than my guiltiness...But let my trail be mine own confession. Immediate sentence then and sequent death Is all the grace I beg. (5.1.375, 5.1.380-382). People can argue that Angelo solo did this to get off the hook. Is it repentanc... ... do desire to learn, sir and I hope, if you have make to use me for your own turn, you shall find me yare. For truly, sir, for your kindness I owe you a good turn. (4.2.56-59). Lastly, he learns what type of l iveliness he was living as he passes through the jail, seeing all of his old business acquaintances. The decision he made to start a new life set apart himself on the opposite side of the bars of his old friends. Pompey realizes that his old life would do nothing but drag him down. The rest of the story sees him faithfully carry out his duty. Works Cited Black, James. The Unfolding of Measure for Measure. Shakespeare Survey 26 (1973) 119-28. Leech, Clifford. The Meaning of Measure for Measure. Shakespeare Survey 3 (1950) 69-71. Shakespeare, William. Measure for Measure. The Arden Shakespeare. Ed. J.W. Lever. London Routledge, 1995.