F. S. Boas (19th-century critic) said that “Measure for Measure” is undeniably “problem play”. This means that the play is concerned with certain moral and philosophical issues. The play “Measure for Measure” does more than just address problems. It’s also a problem in and of itself. There is no one “problem” that the play addresses. Instead, the play has a wide range of philosophical and moral themes. Shakespeare introduced many of them to us in the first act.
The theme of symmetry/antithesis is the most prominent. It refers to the idea balance and counter-balance. This is what the name “Measure for Measure” refers too. It hints at the overtones balance and equivalence, which feature prominently in the play. These scales can be described as a compromise between mercy or punishment, a balance that allows for both crime and the response it provokes. The name Escalus, which is the old and wise character of this play, is sometimes interpreted to mean that it reflects the idea of the’scales for justice’. This title is a great summary of main theme, ethics, and morals of the piece. Angelo’s death sentence for Claudio is an example of this. This is because Claudio was convicted of “lechery”, which clearly shows that the punishment and crime are out of balance. Lucio then asks “is lechery so cared for ?”).”. Angelo’s character perfectly reflects the idea of an apparent balance that is actually imbalance. His soul “seems well”, but he resorts “tyranny”, abuse of power, and would seem to be a man who has “stricture” as well as “firm abstinence” yet who (as we later learn) has an unborn child. Angelo is often mentioned in terms of money and coins. Angelo refers to a specific type of coin. Angelo’s character is best represented by a coin. Angelo’s misinterpretation on the Duke’s reference about “mortality”, is similar. Angelo interprets the statement as an assertion that he can send his people into death row. The Duke summarised the themes of power in “Measure for Measure” with his proclamation that “if power change purpose what their seemers be,”
The theme of substitution is related to the theme semblance. It is also introduced in act 1. Substitution is an important aspect of “Measure to Measure”. For example, Mariana was replaced by Isabella. Angelo also takes the place as Duke, while the Friar is taken over by the Duke. These substitutions reflect the central idea of the play – that of’measure to measure’. Alternatives that appear balanced often rely upon one person being replaced by another. The morally corrupt society in the play, where brothels and sexual disease are commonplaces, allows the idea of fraudulence and substitution to work well. Even the most religious of people can hide their immoral secrets.
The play contains many themes concerning sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases. Many innuendos that are funny, like “a French French crown more” in reference of “French disease”, are used. However, language about sexuality can also be seen in other contexts. Claudio asks Isabella if she would “make friends with her strict deputy” while Angelo calls Angelo a “pregnant”. These double entendres can be used by characters or Shakespeare will include them. This serves many purposes. It is used to foreshadow and allude the play’s theme of sexuality, and to perhaps illustrate the sexual intent behind much of the people’s actions – adding to its impiety.
The theme of punishment and crime is a related one. Also a sub-theme of the ‘balance/counter-balance’ that preoccupies the whole play, the concepts of crime and punishment are crucial in “Measure for Measure”. The difficulty in balancing crime and punishment is the focus of the play. Act I contains many references to Angelo’s excessively harsh ruling. Courtroom scenes within the play further reinforce the impression that the laws are absurd and irrelevant.
Another common theme is freedom/restraint. Shakespeare used the expression “two sides” in his plays. In the first act, Shakespeare clearly demonstrates the interwoven themes freedom and restraint. We see restraint as more positive than freedom, paradoxically. Claudio says he was arrested because he had “too much liberty”. He argues that freedom is something that humans are not capable of regulating, “like rats that rumble down their true bane”. Isabella, too, wants more control. The Duke, who is now free to do whatever he pleases and has escaped, decides to live the hermit life of a friar. Lucio asserts that unrestricted liberty is better than restraint. Shakespeare however generally argues that freedom should be limited within certain limits. There are many similarities between “Measure For Measure” Vienna and Shakespeare’s London that an audience would have known. It is possible that “Measure for Measure”, which could refer to a religious undertone, would prefer the moral limits of religion to total freedom of immorality. It is clear that there are many clues to the presence of religion in “Measure for Measure”. The title seems to be taken from the New Testament: “And with what measure you meete, it will be measured to your again.” Brook also mentions “Measure to Measure” as a religious piece. According to this reading, religion is the factor that balances the uneven scales in a society such as Vienna.
In essence, Measure for Measure is a “problem-play” because it addresses many ethical and moral issues. Shakespeare presents us with “both sides of the coin” in the first act. We, the audience, are asked to measure each value.
