Measure for Measure.

As most of you will agree, I just want to re-emphasize that Angelo is a SICK MAN. You know what he reminds me of? Those government officials or those in such authority. Ever hear how the ones in power are the most corrupt ones? Angelo's desire to have sexual intercourse with Isabella just shows that. Hypocrisy at its best. Just like how strong authority figures abuse their powers, the most religious figures at times are the most sinful. Angelo is guilty of being like both; trying to persecute Claudio for the same crime that he himself is guilty of (if given the chance).

I also want to point out how sometimes people see a reflection of themselves in others, as if they are staring at a mirror. Okay.. sounds weird. Let me explain. For example, a thief will be quick to assume that others are also thieves, because he himself is one and thinks he "knows how everyone thinks." People accuse others of what they are guilty of. It's almost like having self-conscience/guilt strings attached to you. I bring this up, because Angelo is this conservative strict non-corrupt individual on the outside, and yet on the inside, he's this sick pervert with wrong and sinful intentions. By asking Isabella to sleep with him, I think he might be convinced that she is like him, calm and pure on the outside, but lustful and sinful on the inside. That's why I think that he even ended up crossing the line and bluntly asking her such a thing. He probably figured, with a little hesitation, she'd give in and they'd both get what they "really want."

The lines I chose to discuss are in Act 2, scene 4. This is when Angelo confronts Isabella with his true intentions and Isabella tries to "play it off" by acting as if she thinks he's talking about him sinning by forgiving Claudio for his sinful acts. Isabella says, "It is no sin at all, but charity" (2.4.71). I'm kind of wondering here, is Isabella really "pretending" not to know what's going on, or is she really that... "innocent?" Then, right away, Angelo restates his point and tries to tell her exactly what he wants from her, "You must lay down the treasures of your body To this supposed, or else to let him suffer." (2.4.103-04). Isabella declines his offer, in order to not ruin hers and her brother's reputation even more. I think after that, it was quite interesting how Angelo claims that Isabella's response is just as cruel as the punishment her brother is getting. He says, "Were not you then as cruel as the sentence That you have slandered to?" (2.4.117-18). When I first read that, I was like "wow.. this guy has some nerves" but then I thought about it. Here, let me break it down:


Angelo is strict with his decisions and is stubborn.
Isabella is strict with her decisions and is also stubborn.

Angelo claims to be doing what is right, which is punishing someone for a crime they've done.
Isabella also claims to be doing what is right, which is not acting upon a lustful offer.

Angelo is concerned about his reputation, and that's why he is enforcing such laws.
Isabella is also concerned about her reputation, which is why she doesn't want to sleep with Angelo.

Angelo means to persecute those who do such sexual crimes, even though deep down, he'd be guilty of it too.
Isabella feels the same way, except the fact that is her own BROTHER, she disagrees with the ruling.

I think in a way, even though the situations are completely different from both perspectives, Angelo and Isabella may have a lot more in similar than we think.