Consider Measure for Measure as a Dark Comedy

It is almost commonplace in Shakespearean criticism to isolate three of his comedies as a separate group and dub them as “dark comedies.” These three comedies are, All’s Well That Ends WellTroilus and Cressida, and Measure for Measure.

When a play like Measure for Measure is called a dark comedy, the reference is at the atmosphere of vice and corruption that reigns in the play is dark, somber, grave, and even tragic. Shakespeare portrays a social world that is corrupt and rotten at the core.

It is a society where morality is debased to the extreme and sexual incontinence, and profligacy have an unhindered way. The social atmosphere of Measure for Measure resembles that of Ben Jonson’s Volpone and Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi.

A Disastrous World of Moral Disease

It is almost a claustrophobic world, festering with moral diseases, suffocating and foul. Even Angelo, a supposedly pure and saintly man, can easily stoop to fullest knavery and commit heinous crimes like violating an innocent virgin.

Moreover, he goes back on his word and arranges for the chopping off of Claudio’s head. Although he had promised to give him life in exchange for Isabella’s chastity, one problem with the so-called dark comedies of Shakespeare; alleged weakness as works of art is there.

Shakespeare in this play seems to have been more preoccupied with the conscious purpose of satirizing some social aspects than achieving artistic excellence. As a result, intellect rather than imagination is dominant. The character of Angelo represents the darkest of colors; he is a dissembling villain, a breaker of vows, and a sensualist. 

On the other hand, Isabella depicts a pure virgin character. However, this virgin also does not have any qualm of conscience.

The Measure for Measure Is A Dark Comedy

The epithet “dark comedy” has been almost universally accepted as an accurate description of Measure for Measure. This epithet is generally taken to mean not only the nasty side of life portrayed in this play but also means that the underlying mood of the dramatist is one of bitter cynicism. 

A general gloom pervades a dark comedy. Comic elements in such a play lurk in the background by the seriousness and gravity. The underlying cynicism surfaces in the characterization. There is an excellent general distaste of this seeming goodness in human beings.

The Theme of Evil in Human Nature in Measure for Measure

One of the prominent themes in Measure for Measure is the evil in human nature. Many critics see a predominance of evil in this play. As a result of the spiritual exhortation of the Jacobean Age, Measure for Measure is indeed a very depressing play.

Although such seedy characters provide some fun as Pompey, Barnardine, Elbow, Froth, and Mistress Overdone, they cannot lift the cloud of gloom.

Moreover, their presence in the play is a grim reminder of the corrupted state of society. All of them are the basest of criminals, pimps, prostitutes, murderers, and thieves. 

The Measure for Measure Comprises A Grim Plot

The sentence of death overhangs Claudio’s head, creating unease and foreboding in the readers’ minds. The last part of the play occupies the problem of supplying Claudio’s several heads on a platter to Angelo. The way a dead thief’s head is cut and produced before Angelo is nauseating and unsavory.

The very plot of Measure for Measure is grim and dark. It shows how sordid are the manifestations of human nature, especially as embodied in Angelo. Except for the Provost and Escalus, almost all the characters contribute to our gloomy impression with their behavior. Lucio is another despicable fellow who repeals us by his vulgarity.

Taken in all, Measure for Measure is an offensive play and an unpleasant, though an illumination thesis on human conduct. 

If you are preparing for your exams or any assignments on Measure for Measure, you might also want to consider purchasing the following books.

Name of the BookName of the AuthorAmazon Purchase Link
Measure for Measure (Text Book)William ShakespeareClick for Amazon Price
STUDENT’S GUIDE: MEASURE FOR MEASURE: Measure for Measure – A William Shakespeare Play with Study Guide (Literature Unpacked)Eleanor HendersonClick for Amazon Price

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