Measure for Measure

 Measure for Measure

By Ellen Mclaughlin

1979 BBC Version

Director: Desmond Davis

Duke: Kenneth Connolly 

Isabella: Kate Nelligan

Angelo: Tim Pigott-Smith

Claudio: Christopher Strauli

Lucio: John McEnry

·         The 1979 version is true to the original script, in plot and in dialogue

·         The setting is Vienna, the costume symbolising a portrayal of the time in which the play was written.

·         The themes of the exploitation of power, sexual harassment and Christian forgiveness are touched upon- but not as explicitly as they potentially could be (applicable to modern society)

·         Isabella is adorned in white- encapsulation of moral superiority, chastity and Christianity.

·         Women’s only power is their sexuality- Angelo is unconvinced when Isabella is at first feeble, but the more passionate her speeches and the closer she draws herself to him the more attention he pays her

·         Angelo is the figure head of patriarchal authority- he exploits his position to attempt to force himself on Isabella and taker her virginity in lust. Hypocrite- committing crime that Claudio is to be executed for (sex outside of marriage) in a more horrendous form. Claudio and Juliet’s sexual relationship was consensual. Angelo attempts to take Isabella’s vowed chastity through blackmail.

·         The darkest of Shakespeare’s comedies? Pompey, Lucio and Elbow offer comic relief however the majority of the plot is driven by dark undertones of corruption, sexual exploitation, deceit.

·         A Happy ending? Juliet and Claudio are married, as are Mariana and Angelo. However, the Duke offers his hand to Isabella. Despite saving Claudio in goodwill- does Shakespeare insinuate that there is an unspoken obligation for Isabella to be the Duke’s wife and give up her vows because she owes him that favour? Juliet speaks no lines- it is ambiguous as to whether she accepts his offer or not. In the BBC version it appears she concedes, aligning with a typical Hollywood ending (love?). However, such an interpretation re-emphasises the message that a woman’s only power is her sexuality.