The Theme of Self-Realization in Measure for Measure

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Ⅰ. Measure for Measure is a play which has given rise to an extraordinary diversity of critical opinions and interpretations It can be read as being "dark, serious and ironical,"1) or it can be read as showing a restoration of order, ending on a note of mercy, reconciliation and love Coleridge comments on the play "The play is to me the most painful part of his genuine works The comic and tragic parts equally border on the hateful-the one being disgusting the other being hateful."2) But contemporary critics admit this play as a genuine work of Shakespeare Furthermore, many critics argue that in Measure for Measure Shakespeare has dealt with sin and its forgiveness in a spirit of exalted Chnstianity.3) Though the play raises many problems as a `problem play,' I would like to examine this play in terms of the theme of mercy and forgiveness When we consider the play along this line of thought, we find that some characters of the play attain self-realization in the course of the action
Ⅱ. The whole action of the play stems from the Duke's decision to experiment with the properties of government. He subjects Angelo, Isabella, and the entire city of Vienna to a test, the purpose of which is to determine the best means of regulating man's sinful nature6) As many critics have pointed out, the role of the Duke is very ambiguous sometimes as Providence, sometimes as a type of the good ruler, in Act III he appears as one in disguise, and acts as instigator and director of the action. In this essay, I will consider the Duke as a judge of all test which reveals man's concealed nature and helps the characters to attain selfknowledge.
Ⅲ. As I have argued so far, each case of self-realization is attained through inner acceptance of God's mercy and social involvement and through realization of the-commom bond of humanity. In the final scene of public trial, the Duke "like power divine"(V.i 367) sits upon the scat of judgement, and prepares to deal with the corruption which he has seen "boil and bubble" (V.i. 316) in Vienna. When Angelo's flaw is made public, Angelo is brought to his knees in repentance, and says "Immediate sentence, then, and sequence death/ Is all the grace I beg" (V.i 371-372) Seeing his trespasses in the light of day, Angelo cannot bring himself to asking for mercy or grace. He feels that he must die for his sin.