In class we discussed the difference in moods between the Old and New Testament. Angelo, if he were to sync up with one of the two, would certainly be associated with the Old Testament. Strict, harsh, very law-abiding, merciless -- these are traits he exploits. However, the twist in the plot as well as the other characters present a religious analysis, exploring the different realms of Christianity, as opposed to a contrast between Christianity and Judaism.
When Angelo first comes down on Claudio, he justifies his ruling by the law, stating that his crime was inexcusable and his condemnation irreversible. Isabella, a practicing nun, deems Claudio's penalty as excusable, begging for mercy, justifying her point by saying that God would grant the same mercy. To me, it seems as if both characters are representing two different interpretations of Christianity, the strict one, and the merciful one. The more likable one to me is Isabella's case, to put God's law (mercy, forgiveness), and to view a dilemma sympatretical instead of Angelo's philosophy, which is to rule by the book, without questioning.
Of course, the plot twist with Angelo blackmailing Isabella for sex, may provide more implications for the topic of Christianity, but at this point it is hard to conclude exactly what.
4 comments:
I too was impressed with the amount of Christianity that permeates through this play. I have seen some come through in the many other plays but this one for sure was the most evident.
Isabella is the epitome of Christian virtue, but it seems she is the only one. I will say I find it interesting that she is so willing to decieve Angelo based upon a plan of trickery designed by a Friar. Like someone said a few classes ago, this seems to me like an episode of "Three's Company".
I do think Shakespeare is making some excellent points about what it means to be a "Good Christian" and a "Good" ruler and how the two things are related. Angelo is supposedly such a precise man, but he blackmails a nun into sleeping with him. He is clearly not a good person to have as the leader of a country.
Going off what you have said, I think that maybe it's because of the fact that Isabella thought it was actually a Friar telling her the scheme that made her so willing to do it in the first place. I think if it were anyone else telling her to do it, even Claudio or just someone random off the street, it would have much less of an effect on her. I suppose it's something like it was almost a message from God for her? I can't be sure but I think the fact that it was a member of the clergy definitely had something to do with it.
I thoroughly agree with the Christian undercurrents noted in this post, yet I might contend that the play is also suggesting the need for a separation of church and state. The strictness of Angelo's character may be seen as similar to the ruling forces of Catholic nations (such as Spain or France) with whom the British are always at odds.
It's interesting to put this post into conversation with Margaret's (previous). The insight about Christianity and the play is really strong, and I love the parallels Pete draws to this play and Merchant. At the same time, I get a much murkier sense of the morality of this world (as several have said). And this is where it gets tricky: is Shakespeare suggesting the hypocrisy of the ruling class? Would he engage in such potentially dangerous attitudes? We'll have to see what we think as we conclude our discussion.
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