Comedy in Act 2 Scene 1 of Measure For Measure

Act 2, scene 1, within Shakespeare's Measure For Measure at first baffled me but after a closer look actually humored me quite a bit. The scene opens with Angelo and Escalus discussing Claudio and his crime of impregnating Juliet before actually marrying her. Angelo and Escalus decide they they really have no choice but to execute Claudio for his crime. Angelo expresses his reasoning for this punishment at the start of the scene with the great quote: "We must not make a scarecrow of the law, setting up to fear the birds of prey, and let it keep one shape till custom make it their perch, and not their terror."

After Escalus and Angelo determine Claudio's fate, Elbow the Duke's constable enters to speak with Escalus and Angelo. Within Elbow's speech however he misuses words to the extent of making himself nearly incomprehensible. Elbow introduces the two men he is with as 'notorious benefactors' rather than malefactors which they actually are. As Elbow describes them his speech continues to mislead everyone in a comical way as he constantly contradicts himself by misusing word after word.

The introduction of Elbow and his interaction with Angelo and Escalus is Shakespeare's way of providing comic relief within the situation. As this comedic scene transpires, the reader loses sight of the fact that it has been decided upon that Claudio will be executed for his simple crime of impregnating Juliet before actually marrying her. It is not until the last ten lines or so of the scene that the reader's attention is brought back to Claudio and the fate that is awaiting him. This immediately provides a sobering effect as the tone of seriousness returns replacing the brief comedic interaction provided by Elbow and his banter with Escalus and Angelo.