Adam B. Ferguson
Group 4
Moderation and mercy: These two things are the two necessary qualities of a ruler that Angelo lacks, and which also make him a poor judge. Every ruler must govern with an eye for human nature and its weaknesses. He must also show mercy for those who commit the same sins as the ruler himself.
Manipulation: Manipulation pays a huge role in the plot since most of the events in the throughout are manipulated by the Duke. Without his manipulation of people and events, Claudio would have died, Angelo have remained unexposed, and Mariana would not have gotten married. Justice depends upon the Duke’s schemes and manipulations within the play, however self-serving his actions may turn out to be.
the Duke:
is the ‘voice of reason’.
Manipulation extends even further.
Not only successful manipulation must be considered, as it is the case of the Duke, but, everybody’s intention to forge a destiny self-satisfactory. Such is the case of Lord Angelo who wants Isabella and through his tyrannical nature attempts to posses her.
Claudio also manipulates Isabella, although she defends her pride while the hidden Duke overhears the conversation.