Measure for Measure Act 1

I have never read this play before, but just from the first act we are all aware of its purpose and intent. After reading the beginning introduction to the play all I could think about was the constant use of the word “sexual acts” and religious consequences, and executions. I thought, “Wow!” The first act introduces the reader to the Duke, Escalus, and Angelo. I’m not sure that I understand what they are talking about in this first scene. It does become a little clearer in the second act when Mistress Overdone, the prostitute, and the two gentlemen and Lucio talk. They make syphilis jokes at each other saying that Mistress Overdone is the giver of many “sores.”

Lucio: Behold, behold, where Madam Mitigation comes! I have purchased as many diseases under her roof as come to—

(1.2 .40)

Mistress Overdone comes to tell the news of the arrest of Claudio, which seems to be a weird situation in itself. Claudio is being arrested for having sex and impregnating someone who he knows and is somewhat close to him, when Mistress Overdone has sex all the time with strangers and gets paid for it. What is wrong with this picture? This is a prime example of Shakespeare’s irony in this particular comedy.

                I was amused also at the fact that Pompey the clown knows the news of the closing of the brothels and that they are to be torn down. Pompey tells her that she should continue doing her service. “…Courage, there will be pity taken on you. You that have worn your eyes almost out in the service, you will be considered” (1.2.89-90). Who is to take pity on her? Is it the places that employ her? Is Pompey implying that he will work with her and find her clients?

                On to the subject of Claudio, he thinks that his sister can help him, but what does he want her to do? Just talk to “deputy,” or something more, as stated in the introduction to the play. Isabella thinks that Lucio is lying about her brother, but soon finds out it is truth. I’m not sure why she has to be the one to try to save him. This definitely foreshadows some sexual act because she is a woman and a virgin getting ready to pronounce herself a nun. This description seems to make her a desire to certain men, which must be why Claudio wants to send her to save “his head.”

Isabella: Alas, what poor  

Ability’s in me to do him good?

Lucio: Assay the power you have.

Isabella: My power? Alas, I doubt.

Lucio: Our doubts are traitors, And makes us lose the good we oft might win, By fearing to attempt. Go to Lord Angelo; And let him learn to know, when maidens sue, Men give like gods, but when they weep and kneel, All their petitions are as freely theirs As they themselves would owe them.”

(1.4.73-83)

With Isabella’s agreement to go at the end of the scene, the reader is left with the thought of what will happen now? Act 1 of this play has already made me feel almost disgusted reading it. I don’t believe the writing will get any cleaner if Shakespeare has already made all the discussion dirty from the beginning.