Discuss how Shakespeare uses language and dramatic techniques for character development in Act 2 Scene 2 of Measure for Measure.

Toby MarriottMeasure for Measure08 October 2012 Discuss how Shakespeare uses language and dramatic techniques for character development in Act 2 Scene 2 of Measure for Measure. Shakespeare uses a variety of linguistic devices and dramatic techniques for character development from Act 2 Scene 2 to Scene 4. We see Angelo’s precise, business-like persona transform to temptation, and final cruelty whilst we see the true, confident side of Isabella as as she attempts to convince Angelo to reverse his judgement, but eventually loses her ignorant hope on the realisation of his true ‘purpose’. In Act 2 Scene 2 Shakespeare portrays Angelo as precise, intelligently dealing with the pleas of Isabella to save the life of her brother by reversing the death sentence that has been handed down to him. The scene begins with the Provost and Angelo discussing Claudio’s punishment. The Provost dares to ask Angelo if he really wants Claudio murdered, ‘All sects, all ages smack of this vice, and he to die for’t!’, and Angelo states that he does, ‘Did not I tell yea? Hast thou no order? Why dost thou ask again?’. Shakespeare instantly uses dramatic technique of foreshadowing the conflict that is to follow through the sharp words exchanged between the two. Provost then asks what’s to be done with the woman he got pregnant, Juliet. Angelo still refuses to relent, and says that

  • Word count: 1498
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

An investigation into the death of the Duchess of Ferera

A case conference on renaissance noblemen 'my last Duchess' To: chief superintendent Chalmer From: Inspector Morse Date: November 19th 1572 Title: An investigation into the death of the Duchess of Ferera Terms of reference The Duchess of Ferera's death took place under very mysterious circumstances; this is why this case is being investigated. This report is to show the findings of the interview that we have had with the various people who may have been involved in her death or could help us with our enquires. The duchess of Ferera was found in the house that she shares with her husband the duke of Ferera, she was found strangled with the rope used still tied around her neck and was found by the duke himself. The coroner's report proves that she was strangled but no fingerprints were found on the rope. The main suspect is the duke of Ferera, or someone who he paid to kill her. Procedure After the Duchess' body was found first the coroner examined the body for any signs of a struggle and if any fingerprints were found on the body. Then we tried to find anybody who may have seen or heard anything, or anyone who would be able to help us with our enquires. The people who we decided to interview were the Duke of Ferera, the duke of Ferera's fiancé, Miss Smith, the count, the counts servant and Fra Pandolf as well as anyone else who could help us with our enquires. We

  • Word count: 1100
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Analysis of Act 1 Scene 1 of Measure for Measure.

Analysis of Act 1 Scene 1 of Measure for Measure By Catherine Ezekpo Act 1 Scene 1 at its most basic interpretation is encircling the thoughts and actions of three characters; the Duke, Escalus and Angelo. The reader observes the Duke of Vienna telling Escalus, an his advisor, that he is leaving the city and would like to leave Angelo in his place. Escalus agrees with the Duke's choice and Angelo is summoned. Angelo appears surprised and slightly reluctant of the Dukes offer but accepts it readily. However if the reader decides to prove deeper inside the scene, it becomes clear that the seemingly simple interpretation above conceals a more complex scenarios. Firstly the scene is set the city of Vienna in approximately 1604, the reader is made aware it is Vienna when Escalus states, 'if any in Vienna...'The reader is left to wonder whether the play is set in Vienna because of it beautiful historic acitchecture or it dazzling surrounding. Or if perhaps there is a more fundamental reason such as the plays context, whether for instance the themes running rife throughout the play are so diverse and unconventional for its time, that Shakespeare feared situating it in more familiar surroundings such as England. These imminent revelations help to captivate and develop the curiosity of the reader. The language used in measure of measure is Elizabethan, formal and conventional of

  • Word count: 998
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

The principalcharacters in 'Measure for Measure' are motivated by personal gain.' How far would you agree with this view of the play?

The principal characters in 'Measure for Measure' are motivated by personal gain.' How far would you agree with this view of the play? In your answer you should: * Set out clearly the ways in which Shakespeare presents the motivations of Isabella and the Duke; * Explain your own views on the importance of personal gain in the play; * Comment on the place of relevant issues such as personal liberty and the application of the Law. 'Measure for Measure' does not fit into a particular genre of other Shakespearean works and has thus accumulated the label of 'tragicomedy'. The Duke's philosophy, "Tis a physic that's bitter to sweet end" reveals the overall course of the play. The preponderance of the play is not a comedy; many of the characters, like Claudio, Isabella and Mariana have been put in distressing situations and subjected to great deals of unfairness. Yet through the Duke's manipulations and his plot with Isabella, the play will proceed to a neat, happy ending as was the convention of the Elizabethan comedies. The question is- are the Duke, and Isabella's motivations to achieve a just application of the law, or to protect their own integrity? The Duke is the protagonist and how we interpret his character has a crucial effect on the interpretation of the whole play. Is he, as Lucio offers, a "Duke of dark corners" or does he bear "the sword of heaven"? Is

  • Word count: 1735
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

What different views of the Duke are presented in acts 1-3?

What different views of the Duke are presented in acts 1-3? Written in the early 17th century, 'Measure for Measure' was one of the many plays that Shakespeare wrote to entertain his King, which at the time was James I. Shakespeare used this play to present his own views of the King, and his ideals of a King through his presentation of the Duke Vincentio. A more complex character than first believed, Shakespeare transforms the Duke throughout the play. As the Duke set out on a quest to not only escape the pressures of his role, but to learn from his experiences and find himself. The Duke is the first person to speak; this is one of Shakespeare's common techniques to indicate who he deems most important in the play. Even if it appears that the story evolves around the character of Angelo, under the surface it is evident that the Duke is the catalyst behind it all. At the start of the play we see that the Duke is a man with general morals, complimenting the people under him. This is Shakespeare showing us from the start that he wishes the Duke to be seen as a good man. In the first scene we learn that for the head of a city he does not enjoy being in the public eye, "I love the people, but do not like to stage me to their eyes". This quote also shows us that he is an honourable and caring Duke as he loves his people, but he doesn't have the confidence to assert his

  • Word count: 1072
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Discuss Duke Senior's view of the forest in this extract

Act 2 scene 1: Passage Question on Duke Senior's opening speech Discuss Duke Senior's view of the forest in this extract. In your answer you should: * Comment on Shakespeare's use of language, imagery, tone and dramatic structure * Show awareness of how different readers and audiences might respond to the extract * Show awareness of the Elizabethan context Shakespeare opens Act two with a speech from Duke Senior attesting the values of life in the Forest of Arden. His 18 line judication provides the audience with an objective and tempered account of life in the rural surrounds which although holds elements of the romantic pastoral vision of the rural life as Eden, is at the same time in touch with reality. The pastoral theme was a popular genre in Elizabethan drama, with its suggestion that life in the rural environment was the remedy to all the woes and stresses which accompanied life in the urban zone. However dramatists such as Shakespeare began to rebuke this idea. The thought that rural life offered an alternative to the corruption of court was simply not an economic reality. The material realities of the Elizabethan era made it impossible to depict a court in such straightforward terms or to hold up the countryside as an Eden and cure to all problems. Shakespeare employs and yet simultaneously overturns pastoral ideas and themes in "As you like it", which is

  • Word count: 947
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Look again at Act II, Scene IV which begins "When I would pray and think".. How does Shakespeare control our changing responses to Angelo throughout this scene?

Look again at Act II, Scene IV which begins "When I would pray and think".. How does Shakespeare control our changing responses to Angelo throughout this scene? At the beginning of this scene we see Angelo in a way we haven't seen him before. He is feeling very trapped by his exterior and wishes he could be a different type of person. This gives us the feeling of pity towards this usually harsh and cold man. Angelo is being very honest with himself in this soliloquy; and he realizes his thoughts for Isabella are of pure lust. This being the main reason as to why he can't pray, he can't stop thinking about Isabella. However, he desires her only for the things, which make her good, which is why his prayers are so very hollow: "...Heaven hath my empty words, Whilst my invention, hearing not my tongue, Anchors on Isabel..." This language mirrors the grossness of exactly what Angelo is considering doing. He becomes aware that he is actually a human being and that so very often his outer appearance belies what is inside him. Angelo is really beginning to understand exactly what Isabella said to him previously. The person he seems to be is not the person he is at all; he would love to get rid of this "idle plume", which is there just for vanity as its becoming a burden: "...I take pride, Could I with boot change for an idle plume..." During this soliloquy Angelo also

  • Word count: 1055
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

Discuss Shakespeare's dramatic presentations of the Duke in Act I of 'Measure for Measure'. What do you find to be interesting and / or problematic about his character?

Discuss Shakespeare's dramatic presentations of the Duke in Act I of 'Measure for Measure'. What do you find to be interesting and / or problematic about his character? Shakespeare presents the Duke in "Measure for Measure" as an authorative figure, as he is highly respected and referred to as "my Lord". In the first instance, we get the impression that the Duke is portrayed to be a public body. He seems very connected to his people and comes across as a very superior leader to them. He is generally aware of the situation of his city the fact that he mentions " Of government the properties to unfold Would seem in me t'affect speech and discourse" Act I Scene I These are one of the Dukes very first words in the play; his speech gives us an impression of the plays central theme, which has to do with "government, properties, and speeches". Shakespeare gives the Duke authority in this play but in the very first instance we get the impression that he does not use this authority very wisely, his language and manner towards the people in the opening scene confirms this. The Duke is at the top of the hierarchical stage, but his use of language such as "pregnant" which is a metaphor for showing gives the audience a strange impression on the Dukes character and instantly we become some what aware of the sexual content of this play. Strangely enough the Duke decides to let "bid

  • Word count: 699
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

The opening scenes of the play are called the Exposition, where the dramatist introduces the most significant characters and themes, so that they can be developed and set up the plot. Describe the means by which Shakespeare had done this in the first a...

The opening scenes of the play are called the EXPOSITION, where the dramatist introduces the most significant characters and themes, so that they can be developed and set up the plot. Describe the means by which Shakespeare had done this in the first act, and judge how successful (or not) he has been. The opening scenes of "Measure for Measure", introduce the most significant characters in the play and also tend to establish the relationships between each of them. The plot and the key themes are introduced giving the reader an idea of what is going to unfold in the following acts. Shakespeare has used the opening scene of the play to introduce one of the key characters. In this first scene, set in Vienna, the Duke announces to his advisor, Escalus, that he is to leave the country for reasons, which are un-disclosed to anyone. He decides to leave Angelo, a trusted friend, standing in his place. This would in effect give Angelo "absolute power" over the nation, giving him the decision to dictate who would live or die. "In our remove be thou at full ourself; Mortality and mercy in Vienna" Duke Vincento Act I Sc I Angelo is highly respected and held in high regard by both the Duke and Escalus, this is evident by the way the two both talk of him, to each other and to Angelo, himself: "If any in Vienna be of worth To undergo such ample grace and honour, It is Lord

  • Word count: 2114
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay

In measure for measure,the characters of Angelo and Isabella are similar.discuss

Angelo and Isabella are similar characters. Discuss In measure for measure there are two characters that at first glance seem to be from two different worlds but a closer analysis shows that they are actually very similar. This is the case with Angelo and Isabella. When we first meet Angelo we see a ruthless leader who enforces the law as severely as he can and Isabella is the complete opposite, she is a virtuous and chaste young woman who was ready to devote her life to God. Both Angelo and Isabella have strict moral views; they both exhibit pride and are guilty of self deception. In scene, when Isabella and Angelo first meet straight away we can distinguish the similarities between them. For example, Isabella uses the same language as Angelo and the two of them are able to finish each other's sentences indicating that they are on the same thinking level and that they are actually not that different as both knew what the other was intending on saying. Isabella like Angelo is denying her sexuality. Isabella uses religion as a repression of sexuality where as Angelo represses his sexuality by enforcing harsh rules in Vienna regarding fornification and does not allow himself to express any feelings openly. One could argue that both Angelo and Isabella are sexually frustrated. Isabella is a pure and chaste young woman who happens to be in a corrupted society and it could

  • Word count: 1088
  • Level: AS and A Level
  • Subject: English
Access this essay