Dr Donald Richardson

The Complete Measure for Measure Dr Donald Richardson

Measure for Measure is "usually considered one of [Shakespeare's] unpleasant comedies" (Asimov, 635) since mercy is offered to "the villain" (Asimov). The duplicity of the Duke is debatable too, along with the final resolution that offers mercy toward the guilty. Like All's Well That Ends Well, the play should foster discussion about the paternalistic and somewhat insensitive treatment of women and their right to control their own bodies. "Critics have often debated both the quality of the justice the play delivers and its attempt to balance the respective claims of Law and Mercy" (Crewe, xlvii). Such debates continue today.