I still plan to deconstruct Angelo's character in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, as I began to recognize the complexity of his character as I read the play. Though he is often depicted as an unadulterated villain, his character can be better understood when one explore his seemingly tyrannical need for justice. Angelo legally demands an unyieldingly perfect justice, yet recognizing that he cannot find this perfect order in himself, he seeks to create a union with Isabella's perfection. My thesis statement is rather rough, but here is a vague idea of how I want to focus my paper. My working title is "Misunderstanding the Malefactor: The Complex Duality of Angelo" and the thesis goes something like this . . . In Shakespeare's Measure for Measure Angelo is invariably perceived as an unadulterated villain who hypocritically propositions Isabella to fornicate with him in exchange for her brother's life, yet Angelo's actions can be paradoxically understood as his desperate need to create a symbolic union with Isabella's purity and innocence, as she represents that which he yearns to legally establish.
Informal Sources:
Silbert, Roxanne. Royal Shakespeare Company Playbill. Measure for Measure. Stratford-Upon-Avon, 28 Jan 2012. <https://peterviney.wordpress.com/stage/measure-for-measure-rsc-2012/>
Isabella's saintly profile is embedded in the silhouette of what appears to be the King's head, as there is a crown atop his head in this image. This image is on the cover of what appears to be the playbill for the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Measure for Measure.
Though this picture does not depict Angelo, the image embodies the play's theme of justice and mercy, and shows the union of the two through the representation of the King and Isabella. Though Angelo seeks to be a part of this union, Isabella and the King are the only two that can truly unite the opposing concepts.
Fernie, Ewan. "To Sin in Loving Virtue: Desire and Possession in 'Measure for Measure'." Sillages Critiques. 2013. <http:sillagescritiques.revues.org/2608>
Um, this article is the best! Fernie details specific passages within Measure for Measure, which help to illuminate Angelo's conflicting nature.
This source will help tremendoulsy in my paper, as I had not previously come across any sources that suggest that Angelo's desire for Isabella's purity is actually an indication of his metaphysical hunger for the good, as Fernie states.
Performances:
Measure for Measure. Arkangel Productions, BBC Audiobooks American, 2003. <http://literature.proquest.com.erl.lib.byu.edu/arkangel/audioclip.jsp?ID=ARK20>
This audio production of Measure for Measure is infused with the characters' emotions, which is clearly conveyed through their voices. This audio recording will be very helpful as I continue to analyze Angelo, as his audio solilquy conveyed a sense of earnestness, rather than lust when he considered Isabella's virtue and purity. His voice trembled as he delivered the solilquy.
Durham, Alexander J. "So You Must Be the First That Gives This Sentence" Measure for Measure (Kate Nelligan). YouTube, 29 Jan. 2013. Web. 15 Nov. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paAYJUx9MfQ>
This brief clip shows Isabella passionately censuring Angelo for his hypocritical proposition. Wow, this video is very moving, as Isabella's purity is epitomized by her starkly white apparel and Angelo gazes upon her with the tears of a penitent soul, revealing his conscience of a humbled man.
I like the performances that you chose, and the way you apply them. They seem like they would support your thesis really well.
ReplyDeleteVery cool Stella, that sounds like a very interesting concept, the idea of such a paradox intrigues me. I think your second informal source sounds like it would be great as it highlights the duality or paradox that you are trying to explain. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI have had fun following this idea through your different posts, and I think it is really coming together. I especially like your second performance source. This will be really powerful. I'd be careful in making sure your interpretation of the scene is based in specific performance traits, and not merely in what might seem to be confirmation bias to your audience. Good job Stella!
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