Measure for Measure Religion Quotes Page 3
(Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Riverside edition.
| Quote #7 Supply me with the habit and instruct me |
When the Duke disguises himself as a holy friar and spies on his subjects, he acts like an all-seeing, all-knowing, god figure. At the same time, however, Duke Vincentio's behavior seems pretty sacrilegious, especially when he goes around taking peoples' confessions.
| Quote #8 Hark how I'll bribe you: good my lord, turn back. |
When Isabella offers to "bribe" Angelo, the corrupt judge is likely hoping she'll offer to sleep with him. Yet Isabella does no such thing. Instead, she promises to pray for Angelo and declares there's nothing more powerful than a virgin's prayers. What are we to make of this? Should we read Isabella's naivety with cynicism? Or, are we meant to think that Isabella's sincerity and virtue are honorable?
| Quote #9 When I would pray and think, I think and pray |
Angelo sees his sexual desire for Isabella as sinful and corrupting. Here, Angelo confesses to the audience that, when he tries to pray, he can't stop thinking naughty thoughts about the wannabe nun. Earlier in the play, we heard Angelo say that his lust makes him like a piece of road kill rotting in the sun (2.2.27). Yuck.
