Compare how Shakespeare uses dramatic techniques and speech representations in order to present the Duke and his reasons for placing Angelo in charge.
Written in the early 17th century, 'Measure for Measure' was one of the many plays that Shakespeare wrote to entertain his King, which at the time was James I. Shakespeare used this play to present his own views of the King, and his ideals of a King through his presentation of the Duke Vincentio. A more complex character than first believed, Shakespeare transforms the Duke throughout the play. As the Duke set out on a quest to not only escape the pressures of his role, but to learn from his experiences and find himself. The Duke is the first person to speak; this is one of Shakespeare's common techniques to indicate who he deems most important in the play. Even if it appears that the story revolves around the character of Angelo, under the surface it is evident that the Duke is the catalyst behind it all.
Duke Vincentio clearly has authority and power due to his position of Duke, and this is evident through-out the play. This can be shown with the use of iambic pentameter, which is used through-out the play. “Mended again .The Matter Proceed”. The way Shakespeare utilises the structural feature exhibits the Duke’s status and power, this is due to the fact iambic pentameter can be used to represent authority. This can also be shown with metaphors, “th’infirmity of sense” that allows the Duke to highlight his point with emphasis. It could be inferred that the Shakespeare uses this technique along with elision, to enforce the arrogant personality of the Duke that is found through-out the play, most notably when the Duke forces the role onto Angelo at the beginning of the play.
Shakespeare uses antithesis of the two characters’ relationship with power regarding each other. Shakespeare uses dramatic techniques to clearly show the audience that the Duke has the power over Angelo, shown when the Duke forces his role...