Themes of Measure for Measure
The theme refers to an extending thought, belief, or point of view presented in a literary work. The major themes of the greatest play of William Shakespeare entitled “Measure for Measure” are analyzed below:
Pervasion of sexuality
The spread of sex is the driver of action in this drama. In Vienna, illicit sex and prostitution are major social problems because the spread of sex leads to illicitness and disease. It is also a major concern for Shakespeare’s London because sex can lead to death. Mistress Overdone is an example of casual access to sex in this drama. Claudio is sentenced to death by beheading because Claudio’s fiancé gets pregnant by him. Isabella has been told that she can save her brother’s life by having sex with Angelo. Thus, the play raises the question of whether it is appropriate for the government to legislate against sex.
Judgment and punishment
Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure,” asks the audience to consider how and to what extent people can judge each other. As we see in the play, just because someone gains power does not mean that they are morally superior. The play suggests that people should be accountable for their sins, and people should also provide such behavior to others which they would like to have from others and If someone commits a sin, he or she will expect to pay for it.
Religion
The title of the play “Measure for Measure” comes from Matthew’s Gospel Matthew: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”. So, appropriately, the main themes of the play relate to religion: morality, virtue, Sin, Punishment, Death, and Atonement. The main character Isabella is immersed in virtue, chastity, and her spiritual journey.
Marriage
Shakespeare’s comedies often celebrate a wedding, which is usually seen as a happy ending. In “Measure for Measure”, though, the marriage is used to control and punish malicious behavior: Angelo is forced to marry Mariana, and Lucio is forced to marry Mistress Overdone. This cynical look at marriage is unusual in a comedy.
The role of women
Every woman in the play is controlled by the power of masculinity. These are vastly diverse characters, but their social positions are limited by men in their lives: A novice nun is blackmailed, a prostitute is arrested for running a brothel, and Mariana is jailed for not paying enough dowry. Furthermore, Juliet and her unborn child are compromised by the attitudes she will face if she has an illegitimate child.
