Measure for Measure-A Problem Play?

Shakespeare shows how one problem can lead to another, which leads to a never ending spiral of difficult decisions. The theme of justice is particularly interesting when discussing this issue, as it is clear that past decisions and leniency have led to a justice system so corrupt that to even attempt to correct it can cause an even greater number of problems than it solves. When deciding whether to punish Claudio for his crime many issues have to be taken into consideration and any decision will cause problems. As Claudio is quite obviously in love with Juliet sentencing him to death would be almost as if Angelo was dismissing human emotions and traditions in favour of legally binding vows however, if Claudio was allowed to live it would be even more difficult to sentence another person for the same crime at a later date. These factors alongside the issue of who is in charge of justice makes for a large moral and political debate as to which of many possible decisions is the correct one. Angelo defends his decision to sentence Claudio to death by stating it is the law not he who is responsible for passing judgement and Isabella responds to this by reminding Claudio that there is a greater power (God) above him who will do the judging once earthly life has passed. This shows how the situation has turned into a battle of logic and intellect not helped by external factors such as the amount of brothels surviving in the city and the Duke's absence at the time of this decision.

Possibly the event that is capable of defining Measure for Measure as a 'problem play' is when Angelo requests Isabella's 'body' in exchange for her brother's life. At the time the play was first produced this decision would have been an outrageously difficult and 'real' one for Isabella, a woman's virginity was very much part of her identity and self worth and to lose it illegally would have proved difficult for any woman; Shakespeare makes the situation even more problematic by his choice to present Isabella as a woman committed to religion. Many moral issues are raised by this situation, firstly Angelo wishes to commit an act he is prepared to send another man to his death for and secondly, the value of Claudio's life has to be compared to Isabella's virginity while at the same time considering each has a vested interest in the other's well being as they are brother and sister. Thirdly, the position of Angelo as 'divine ruler' for the time being can be seen as highly corrupt as he uses his power to show Isabella she would never be believed if she was to report him.

This one situation has presented the audience with many problems dealing with a wide range of issues from morality to human rights and the justice system. In this sense the play is unlike a tragedy such as Othello, which attempts to present one main villain and a hero who becomes persuaded into drastic actions. Here all the characters can be seen to carry blame to some extent, which poses a problem for the audience when interpreting the play. If Claudio asks his sister to go through with Angelo's request he dismisses her worth, yet if Isabella commits the act she has contributed to worsening an already corrupt system and Angelo can be seen as causing a problem by changing his principals and contradicting himself in a short period of time. Even the Duke can't be seen as the villain as it seems he is attempting to improve the situation by speaking to others involved and trying to carry out a plan that will be beneficial to all involved.