With Duke Vincentino, Shakespeare has created a very ambiguous character in "Measure for Measure", one that seems to split critics up into two camps – Is this Duke a figure of Christian Providence, who has complete control over his surroundings? Or should he be seen as a coward with inappropriate judgement will try to discuss it along the following research question: To what extent does Duke Vincentino act as a “playwright at work within the play”?
As a basis for the analysis I am going to introduce the Duke in a characterization, which will include a closer look at his personal traits as well as his relations with other characters in the play. After this overview of the Duke’s character and affairs, I will advance to analyzing them in context of the play more deeply. This part will consist of three subchap
ters, in which I will go into more detail of the different roles the Duke takes on throughout the play. First, in ‘The Disguise (Acts I.I-II.II)’, I will elaborate on the Duke’s motives to officially leave the city, but actually stay in disguise as Friar Lodowick. I will then proceed to the analysis of Acts II.II-IV, in which I hope to shine a light on the way the Duke pulls the strings of the other characters and thereby controls the plot, with a focus on his schemes that are often referred to as the ‘bedtrick’ and the ‘headtrick’. Finally, I am going to discuss the denouement in Act V.
Conclusively, I am going to discuss whether the Duke’s manipulations contribute to an achievement of justice or not. To finalize the conclusion, I am going to refer back to and possibly answer the research question presented above.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Duke Vincentino – A Characterization
3. The Duke’s Dramatic Function
3.1 The Disguise (Acts I.I-II.II)
3.2 Pulling the Strings (Acts II.III-IV.VI)
3.2.1 The Bedtrick
3.2.2 The Headtrick
3.3 The Denouement (Act V)
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This academic paper examines the character and function of Duke Vincentino in William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure," specifically exploring the extent to which he operates as a "playwright" figure who manipulates the events and characters within the play to achieve his own ends.
- The ambiguity of Duke Vincentino's moral and political authority.
- The Duke's strategic use of disguise to observe and control his subjects.
- The orchestration of complex sub-plots, specifically the "bedtrick" and the "headtrick."
- The resolution of the play and the assessment of whether the Duke's manipulations ultimately lead to justice.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2.1 The Bedtrick
Very significant in the Duke’s scheming is the first scene of act III, where he, in his disguise, first counsels Claudio on his imminent death penalty and then overhears his conversation with Isabella, who has been offered to trade Angelo her virginity for Claudio’s life in the preceding scene and consequently hatches the ‘bedtrick’.
The way the Duke philosophizes on death to comfort Claudio has been interpreted in many ways, as did Knight (1977) with a focus on religion, but could also be seen as merely the Duke’s acting skills (cf. Baker, Womack 2012: 1298). Howsoever, he achieves for Claudio to lose his fear of death.
When Isabella enters, the Duke and the Provost retire from the scene, but do not exit, hence they overhear the conversation between Claudio and Isabella. After being very evasive at first, Isabella eventually tells Claudio about Angelo’s proposal to let her brother live if she sleeps with him. While initially this does not seem acceptable to Claudio at all, he overthinks it with regard to his view of death and changes his mind, asking her: "Sweet sister, let me live. / What sin you do to save a brother’s life, / Nature dispenses with the deed so far / That it becomes a virtue." (III.I.135-138)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the central research question regarding the Duke’s role as a manipulator and outlines the analytical approach to the play.
2. Duke Vincentino – A Characterization: Discusses the contradictory interpretations of the Duke, ranging from a figure of divine providence to an insecure and manipulative ruler.
3. The Duke’s Dramatic Function: Analyzes the Duke’s performative role as a "quasi-author" who dictates the narrative through disguise and complex schemes.
3.1 The Disguise (Acts I.I-II.II): Explores the Duke’s decision to appoint Angelo as his substitute and his subsequent decision to remain in Vienna disguised as a friar.
3.2 Pulling the Strings (Acts II.III-IV.VI): Examines how the Duke actively intervenes in the lives of other characters to steer the plot toward his desired outcome.
3.2.1 The Bedtrick: Focuses on the Duke’s manipulation of Isabella and Mariana to entrap Angelo in a morally compromising situation.
3.2.2 The Headtrick: Analyzes the Duke's orchestration of the substitution of the pirate Ragozine's head for Claudio's, saving Claudio’s life.
3.3 The Denouement (Act V): Details the final public confrontation where the Duke drops his disguise, unveils the truth, and delivers final judgments.
4. Conclusion: Synthesizes the analysis, arguing that while the Duke acts with good intentions, his methods remain ethically complex and problematic.
5. Bibliography: Lists the academic sources and critical texts utilized throughout the research.
Keywords
Measure for Measure, Duke Vincentino, William Shakespeare, Playwright, Disguise, Bedtrick, Headtrick, Justice, Manipulation, Character Analysis, Problem Play, Moral Authority, Dramaturgy, Ethics, Subterfuge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
This paper investigates the multifaceted character of Duke Vincentino in Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure," focusing specifically on his role as an active manipulator of the plot.
What are the central themes discussed?
The work explores themes of political leadership, the intersection of morality and law, the nature of divine versus human justice, and the performative aspect of power.
What is the central research question?
The study asks to what extent Duke Vincentino functions as a "playwright at work within the play" in his attempts to manage the moral and social order of Vienna.
Which methodology is employed for this analysis?
The paper uses a literary-analytical approach, incorporating existing critical theories from scholars such as G.W. Knight and V.A. Foster to interpret the Duke's dramatic functions.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The main body breaks down the Duke’s actions chronologically, analyzing his initial departure and disguise, his complex schemes known as the "bedtrick" and "headtrick," and his eventual revelation in the final act.
How would you summarize the characterization of the Duke?
He is described as an ambiguous figure who attempts to project a god-like control over his subjects, though his methods often draw criticism for being deceptive and manipulative.
How does the "bedtrick" serve the Duke's narrative goals?
The bedtrick allows the Duke to resolve the conflict between Isabella’s chastity and Claudio’s life while simultaneously exposing Angelo’s hypocrisy.
What is the significance of the "headtrick" in the narrative arc?
The headtrick is the definitive moment of the Duke’s intervention, where he overrides the legal system to ensure Claudio is not executed, effectively saving the character from Angelo’s harsh judgment.
Does the author conclude that the Duke is a just ruler?
The author concludes that while the Duke intends to restore order and justice, his actions are morally questionable and ultimately leave the audience to decide if the "formal happiness" of the ending is genuinely earned.
- Quote paper
- Mette Freidel (Author), 2017, Duke Vincentino in Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure". The Playwright Within The Play, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/371980
