THEMES

Adam B. Ferguson

Group 4

Actions vs. words: In Measure for many character say they are doing or will do one thing and then completely do the opposite.  The Duke often announces that he is doing one thing, and then acts completely different from what he said he is doing. This causes the reader to question why the Duke would be deliberately misleading, and what his overall intent for this deception of leaving the city is.

Appearance vs. reality: This is especially seen in the character of Angelo.  Angelo has the reputation and appearance of being good do not truly match who he is as an individual.  This idea can also be extended to the city of Vienna itself which appears to be pretty and serene but instead hides a lot of sin.

Corruption: The city in this play (Vienna) is corrupt on many different levels.  This corruption seems to spread from the city and affect Angelo who later becomes corrupt.  This corruption seems to be the result of too much indulgence, or a belief that one will get away with one’s crimes.