One recurring image in Measure for Measure is that of a bait-and-switch. A promise is extended to a character, only to have it fulfilled in a way that goes against the original plan. Usually the promise and the fulfillment are almost identical, creating a strong sense of irony. For instance:
Angelo is pious and strict against adulterers and takes over for the duke only to demand sex from Isabella. Vincentio is lax with adultery laws but leaves Angelo in charge in order to masquerade as a friar.
Angelo offers to not punish Claudio for adultery; however, the only way that can happen is if Isabella commits adultery, thus passing Claudio’s sin onto his sister.
Isabella promises to unlawfully sleep with Angelo; instead, he is tricked into having an entirely legal tryst with Mariana.
Lucio constantly insults the duke when speaking to Vincentio as the friar; he later insults the friar to Vincentio as the duke.
Angelo sleeps with Mariana, then goes back on his word and demands to see Claudio’s severed head.
The duke attempts to substitute Barnardine’s head for Claudio’s; Barnardine refuses to be executed.
The head of an executed man is demanded; the head of a pirate who died of natural causes is substituted.
The irony of the bait-and-switch imagery contributes to Shakespeare’s theme of hypocrisy. Many of the substitutions are quite similar to what was originally promised, showing that arbitrary human demands are usually unreasonable and hypocritical.
Alejandro:
As a comment on the unreasonable and hypocritical nature of man, the concepts of virtues and vices are constantly enforced, informed to the audience, by words and dialogue, but, most importantly, reinforced through the character's actions with their respective consequences.
In the closet of this play, the characters' bones appear to have particular qualities, and seem to extend, transcend, the physical world while still pertaining to reality.
The irony of the bait-and-switch imagery, works in the context of power.
Angelo, for example, is a powerful character to the eyes of the law. He can demand and petitions things a non-Lord could not; like demanding capital punishment.
It is through this power that he is exposed, where his character is exposed. The means employed to go round the obstacle Claudio represents, his intentions towards the sister Isabella, represent his arbitrary human demands.
The arbitrary human demands, pertain to the image of tyranny as indicated by subjective analysis and a posterior interpretation. Under such consign of the sort of: €˜power is for those who are apt for it, not up to it', the bones of the characters, their substantial materials are revealed.
The irony in saying one thing, manifesting principles of moral and ethical codes of behavior, and doing another, due to strata location (position in society) is a comical scripting devise. This devise translates into effect only when it affects and provokes reasoning. It is not merely stylistic rather more functional; expanding and evoking thoughts to, consequentially, provoke reactions in the audience.
"€¦Falsely to take away a life true made
As to put metal in restrained means
to make a false." (Angelo p.45)
Lord Angelo's character speaks of inner substance and virtues, while indulging in vices. Therefore, given the superficial nature of his desire to take Isabella the Virgin (purity to the eyes of the world), the irony of it all results in the exposure of his bias –his falsehood rather than his truthfulness.
This image is simple. It may be complex to trace, but efficient in terms of its potential to evoke a sense of disgust towards L.A!
the image of temple and substance is a repeating IMAGE.
Alejandro,
Good ideas, especially as this applies to missing person/character analysis. Is there any way that you can make this less wordy, though? I think the ideas get a little muddled.
Later on tonight I’ll be expanding this and making it more specific.