How does the balance of power change in pages 42-51? Trace the arguments, and look at the cliquey at the end of the scene.

This essay hasn't yet been marked by one of our teachers

You can view all our essays on Measure For Measure that have been Marked by Teachers

The first 200 words of this essay...

Amy Kilman

English Literature

How does the balance of power change in pages 42-51? Trace the arguments, and look at the cliquey at the end of the scene.

Within Measure for Measure, upon their first meeting Isabella goes to Angelo pleading for her brother's life to be spared. Lucio who is aiding Isabella tells her that she is 'too cold'. However, during their argument Isabella holds her position of authority and shows herself to be a figure of power. Instead of lowering herself she relies on her faith in god to help her argument along.

Angelo's argument however, is that it is too late for her brother as he has already

been sentenced. His job is to uphold the laws of society, and he therefore goes only by the rules, not compassion. Angelo divorces himself from the law; he is emotionless and just enforces the law, without passion. In his own eyes Angelo thinks of himself as a personification of the law itself.

Isabella's key speech throughout this section explains in terms her feeling towards Angelo's actions.

"I would to heaven I had your potency,

And you were