Presentation of Escalus in Measure for Measure

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Harriet Gardner                Escalus

Throughout Measure for Measure Escalus can be seen to have two contrasting roles in the play.  Many see him as a superficial, unimportant character that plays no significant role in the play, but by others he is seen to be a crucial character that has a major impact on the main plot.  This essay will discuss these two views in detail and how they develop and express different approaches to the play.

        Escalus’ name means scales and the title of the play Measure Fore Measure suggests that it is a play of balance and judgement.  Throughout the play Escalus in many ways is often seen as a byword  of rational justice in the play;

        “Well, heaven forgive him, and forgive us all

        Some rise by virtue and some by virtue fall

        …” P21)

Here he physically displays his role of a balancer by using rhyme and equal sentences, being someone who does not go to extremes and who gives reason.  Some may argue that he is the character whose personality and ways are at mid-point between the Duke and his easy going and lenient conduct and Angelo’s severe and strict discipline.

        In a way he can be seen as a kind and gentle hearted man who will show mercy where needed.  When Angelo shows his strict and “cold” view that “We should not make a scarecrow of the law”, Escalus tries to give him advise to be more yielding and gentle with the people of Vienna;

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        “Let us be keen and rather cut a little

        Then fall, and bruise to death” (p20)

        As well as a kind-hearted man he is also seen to be very formative, but at the same time fair in the way is does this.  When the low life character Pompey and Froth are brought before him for the first time, he listens well and offers them his wise and rational judgement, an almost fatherly approach.  After listening to Pompey, he explains that if he is brought before him again, he will be punished in some way; so on this ...

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