Abstract
Reputations are important, especially for those in positions of power. In Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, some readers see Angelo as deserving the reputation of a moral man who is earnestly trying to clean up Vienna, but happens to take things too far in his strict treatment of Claudio’s case. They believe that, by the play’s end, Angelo truly repents for succumbing to the temptation of Isabella. Other readers, however, see Angelo as a power-hungry tyrant who is hypocritical in his preaching of strict morality, and view him as being ill-intentioned all along, pursuing his selfish agenda at the expense of Isabella and others. I will argue that while Angelo tries to dupe others into seeing him as a well-intentioned, just, and pious leader, the truth is that he is ill-intentioned, selfish, and unjust.
Recommended Citation
Langen, Michael
(2010)
"Looks Can Be Deceiving: Angelo’s Intentions in Measure for Measure,"
Proceedings of GREAT Day: Vol. 2009, Article 8.
Available at:
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/proceedings-of-great-day/vol2009/iss1/8