Measure for Measure Essay: The Virtuous Isabella -- Measure for Measur

The Virtuous Isabella in cadency for Measure Measure for Measure is not a celebration of family values, the play points towards both the political virtuosity, which sustains the comic, and the humbler self-knowledge that preserves the integrity of the virtuoso. Human virtue can only be chosen in freedom, but we need not deny ourselves the hazard of ensuring that this choice is not stifled by the subtly related powers of abstract intellectualism and carnal necessity Isabella in Measure for Measure personifies innocent virtue. Isabella offers an example of the highest manageable character since she will not sacrifice her own honor or her brothers in order to exempt her brothers life. She holds strong convictions as far as her moral philosophy are concerned, and considers her own soul and salvation. Pure intelligent beautiful, her outer beauty a reflection of her inner purity loving, hers is an untested virtue that withstands the ultimate run as shown in her appeal for mercy to wards Angelo whom she believes to have ordered the execution of her brother. This action overcomes the questions aroused about her character when she is unwilling to sacrifice her virtue to save her brothers life. To finally allay all doubt as to how Isabella is measured, the Dukes proposal at the end of the play stands as proof she has passed the test. Isabella understands her chastity in a itinerary that is largely similar to Angelos austere virtue. We first meet her at the convent where she is about to become a nun, pleading for stricter restraint and discipline in an order already notorious for its austerity. Once she has taken her final vows, she will no longer be able to hold normal conversation with men If yo... ...to plague and penalize us. Shakespeares Isabella is portrayed as an upright young woman who remains true to her ideals. In human relationships ideals can be found out of line when in opposition to anothers ideals, but this does not lessen Isabellas virtuous character in the least. Works Cited and Consulted Knight, G. Wilson. The Wheel of Fire Essays in Interpretation of Shakespeares Sombre Tragedies. London Oxford UP, 1930. Leech, Clifford. The Meaning of Measure for Measure. Shakespeare Survey 3 1950 Rossiter, A. P. Angel with Horns and Other Shakespeare Lectures. Ed. Graham Storey. London Longmans, Green, 1961. Shakespeare, William. William Shakespeare The Complete Works. Ed. Alfred Harbage. 1969. Baltimore Penguin, 1971. http//www.online-literature.com/view.php/measure/4?term=isabella