This short speech by the Duke also gives us an insight to his character. We find out that he is an especially wise and righteous man who knows the qualities of a good judge. However, we see the theme of ambiguity and appearance versus reality taking root in his speeches also. Although the Duke consults Escalus on his decision to make Angelo as his substitute, we realize, through his excessive extolling of Angelo’s virtues, that he has long decided upon Angelo. This brings us to the theme of ambiguity as we question the Duke’s motives for even asking Escalus on his opinion, whether to test him, or to merely conjure up a scene. To further expound on the theme of ambiguity, the Duke mentions that the laws have to be enforced more, yet leaves the scene in a haste, leaving Angelo and Escalus uncertain about their new roles and tasks, and also leaves important matters hanging. We question the Duke’s responsibility, as he does not exhibit that quality, which is befitting of a leader. We are left wondering his sudden and unexplained desire (he bids goodbye three times, signaling his haste) to leave office and the scene for a while, as he gives no reason. Thus, the audience is given many facets to his character in scene one, thus personifying the theme of ambiguity, which is to occur in the later scenes also, as the Duke masquerades under a disguise, to check up on the matters of the city.
Another theme introduced in scene one is that of privacy and public roles. The Duke, once again, represents the private self and public persona. He knows that as a public figure of authority, it is necessary for him to be in the limelight and set an example to his citizens, but as a private person, he wishes to shy away from all the overwhelming attention and affection he is bestowed. This theme is especially important, as it serves a greater significance in the play later on, when we see characters struggling between their private desires and their public roles, for instance Angelo and Isabella. We see later that Angelo grapples with his lustful desire for Isabella and goes against his public persona as an upright and dignified judge. Isabella, also, is confronted by the honour and chastity tat society expects from a nun to possess yet has to deal with the issue of saving her brother.
Scene one also helps us to understand some of the characters skeletally. We are able to establish that Escalus is an impartial, honest man, the only truly transparent and straightforward character in the entire play. We see his lack of envy at the fact that Angelo has been chosen over him, although he is more senior. He also praises Angelo to “ be of worth to undergo such ample grace and honour” to be given the task of replacing the Duke. His worth and genuine wisdom is also seen as the Duke praises him and asks him to assist Angelo whenever possible. His appearance in scene one helps to contribute to the effectiveness, as his presence maintains the idea of wisdom and justice throughout the play, where ambiguity and elusiveness reign.
Angelo is also introduced in scene one. We are given a highly excellent portrayal of him, which belies nothing of his change in the later scenes. In scene one, Angelo is portrayed as an upright and highly respected man, worthy of the Duke’s commendation. We are given a further insight to his modesty, as he requests for the Duke to have some sort of test to justify his appointment as the temporary. Once again, this sets the theme for appearance versus reality, as we know that in later scenes, Angelo displays a different image from the upright character we are given in this scene. We see later that this also applies to the city of Vienna, as it appears rather peaceful, but actually hides the rampant sin taking place inside.
In these aspects, scene one is effective as an opening, as it prepares the groundwork as to what the play will be based upon. It also helps us to have an impression on some of the leading characters, and allows us to see whether this initial impression is carried forth throughout the rest of the scenes. The many themes already firmly established in scene one also allow us to have an inkling on the future scenes and prepares us for the confusion. The fact that the first scene has already so many intricacies intertwined prepares us for the ambiguity and different facets of each individual’s character.
The entire scene is conversed in rather legalistic, formal language, which belies nothing of the raucous, bawdy language that we will be exposed to in some of the later scenes including the common folk. This scene is spoken in verse, and makes use of various abstract ideas to bring across the message. Also, we are only presented with the righteous side of Angelo, and thus know zilch about his imminent transformation to an immoral person, unworthy of the role he has been entrusted.
Thus, act one, scene one of Measure for Measure is effective as an opening to the play to a large extent, yet there are some areas which remain grey, and have not been expounded on fully to help us gain a clearer idea of the entire play.
