Analysis of William Shakespeare's ‘Measure for Measure’ as a Problem Play

Introduction

E. K. Chambers remarks that in "Measure for Measure the evidence of Shakespeare’s profound disillusionment and discouragement of spirit is plain enough that the searchlight of irony is thrown upon the paths of Providence itself”. It is written in 1604. it is Shakespeare’s last comedy, and it is considered by many to be the best-known and most controversial comedy of the author's tragic period. It contains many dark, somber elements more typical of the tragedies to come. Critically "Measure for Measure" is often categorized as a problem play by William Shakespeare. This genre refers to plays that do not fit neatly into the traditional categories of comedy or tragedy. Instead, they explore complex moral and social issues, presenting a mix of serious and comedic elements. 

What are the Problems?

George L. Geckle in "Shakespeare's Isabella" has critically evaluated the problems in the play. Critics widely consider "Measure for Measure" as a problem play due to the various issues it explores, including the relationships between government and morality, law and justice, and mercy and justice. The play's dramatic structure, genre, and the actions of its characters also contribute to its classification as a problem play. Problem plays often blend elements of comedy and tragedy. In "Measure for Measure," Shakespeare incorporates both comedic and serious moments. The interactions between the bawdy characters provide comic relief, while the serious plotlines involving Angelo, Isabella, and Claudio tackle weightier themes of justice and morality.

Isabella: A Character Study

 Among the play's characters, Isabella has become a focal point of critical analysis, with many contradictory statements made about her, similar to the scrutiny surrounding Hamlet. However, the critical problem surrounding Isabella arises from an inaccurate and untenable consensus that has developed over time. This consensus is based on two factors: first, a significant number of prominent critics disapproving of Isabella, and secondly, the distortion of certain events and speeches in the play to support the notion that Shakespeare himself disapproved of Isabella and subtly undermined her position throughout the play.

Una Ellis - Fermor on Isabella: “Hard as an icicle she visits Claudio in person and lays before him the terms and her decisions – her pitilessness only growing with his pleading. Creation and death are the two issues which form the core of the play. There is equal emphasis on the forces of harmony and discord. Shakespeare’s play ends neatly with two marriages: one performed, between Mariana and Angelo, the other in prospect, between Isabella and the duke."

Character Development

Problem plays often feature complex and multifaceted characters. In "Measure for Measure," characters like Angelo and Isabella undergo significant transformations throughout the play. Angelo, initially seen as virtuous, is revealed to be morally corrupt, while Isabella's journey challenges her beliefs and tests her resolve.

Even the characters are far too complete to be personification. Isabella is a complex character – she cannot be dismissed as an embodiment of chastity or Holiness. First one thinks of a nun’s vocation; he has a strong will – power, belief in his own principles, and a readiness to face the consequences of his actions. The duke is a representative of true secular, spiritual authority. His position is not threatened with war or intrigues. He is modest, retiring and capable of wry humour. The essential quest in measure for measure was the crowning achievement of the last plays.

Moral Ambiguity

William Shakespeare

One of the key characteristics of a problem play is the exploration of moral ambiguity. In "Measure for Measure," Shakespeare delves into the grey areas of justice, mercy, and morality. The characters' actions and decisions often blur the lines between right and wrong, making it challenging for the audience to determine clear-cut moral judgments.

The modern critics have preoccupied with the tensions in the earlier part of the play. A recent definition of a ‘problem’ play runs thus: “A play in which we find a concern with a moral problem which is central to it presented in such a manner that we are unsure of our moral bearings, so that  uncertain and divided responses to it in the minds of the audience are possible and even probable”. (E.Sehanzer). 

Sexual Morality

 The play addresses the topic of sexual morality and the hypocrisy surrounding it. The character Angelo, who presents himself as morally upright, succumbs to his own desires and attempts to coerce Isabella, a novice nun, into a sexual relationship. This raises questions about the double standards of society and the manipulation of power dynamics.

Exploration of Power

 Power dynamics and their consequences are central to problem plays. "Measure for Measure" explores the abuse of power by characters like Angelo, who exploits his authority for personal gain. The play also examines the role of power in relationships, highlighting the vulnerability and manipulation that can occur.

The play is thus concerned with the nature of authority, the - working of psyche, and the predicament of man faced with the universal facts of greater mystery of the actual individual. The art is ‘incarnational’ as Hough says, and again according to Hough the play’s true greatness is felt wherever its concepts are “completely absorbed in character and action and completely expressed by them”. Scholars have long debated the outcome of Shakespeare’s plot. Perhaps he was aware that the sacrifice of Isabella’s honor, followed later by her marriage to the man who had evilly betrayed her trust to gratify his own desires, as portrayed in the sources, would offend the sensibilities of his audience. This manipulation of events to induce a happy ending belongs to comedy, but there is startling contrast between the light-hearted intrigue in this last act and the serious, tragic tone of earlier scenes. In fact, the improbability of the love matches has led some scholars to criticize the last act’s tidiness as mere deference to strict comic form. But in its mixture of comic and tragic traits, Measure for Measure serves as an appropriate end to Shakespeare’s comic output, and as a gateway to a long succession of tragedies.

Social Critique

It typically offer a critique of the society in which they are set. "Measure for Measure" examines the flaws and hypocrisies within the Vienna of Shakespeare's time. The play explores themes of corruption, abuse of power, and sexual morality, highlighting the societal issues of the era.

Ambiguous Endings

Problem plays often have ambiguous or unresolved endings, leaving the audience with questions and moral dilemmas. In "Measure for Measure," the conclusion is open to interpretation. Isabella's decision to save her brother by sacrificing her virtue can be seen as both morally complex and emotionally challenging. The play does not offer a clear-cut resolution, leaving the audience to ponder the ethical implications.

Conclusion

Overall, "Measure for Measure" embodies the characteristics of a problem play through its exploration of moral ambiguity, social critique, sexual morality, the blend of comedy and tragedy, ambiguous endings, power dynamics, and nuanced character development. Shakespeare raises thought-provoking questions about justice, mercy, and the complexities of human behavior, making it a quintessential example of the problem play genre.

Ardhendu De

Ref:

 1. Kocher, P. H., & Ellis-Fermor, U. (1949, February). The Frontiers of Drama. Modern Language Notes, 64(2), 127. https://doi.org/10.2307/2910072   

 2. The complete works of William Shakespeare, with a full and comprehensive life; a history of the early drama; an introduction to each play; the readings of former editions; glossarial and other notes, etc., etc., from the work of Collier, Knight, Dyce, Douce, Halliwell, Hunter, Richardson, Verplanck, and Hudson. Edited by George Long Duyckinck : Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/completeworksofw00shakuoft

 3. Una Ellis-Fermor Kenneth Muir. Routledge Library Editiam SHAKESPEARE 'S DRAMA SHAKESPEARE Ronz'leelge Likmry Editions Shakespeare IN Shakespeare's Poetic Styles II. SHAKESPEARE'S DRAMA

4. Geckle, G. L. (1971). Shakespeare’s Isabella. Shakespeare Quarterly, 22(2), 163–168. https://doi.org/10.2307/2868806

5. Sisson, C. J. (1931). [Review of William Shakespeare: A Study of Facts and Problems, by E. K. Chambers]. The Review of English Studies, 7(26), 216–223. http://www.jstor.org/stable/508512

6. Shakespearean problem play - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Shakespearean Problem Play - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespearean_problem_play