The character of Vincentio in Othello
Vincentio, the Duke in the play Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare, has appeared to some as a wrong doer and inconsistent, and to others, a moral man interested only in what is fair. After examining the play I see Vincentio as an arrogant, presumptuous man, who acts as though he were God, and is not at all a divine person. I will explain why I thought this in the following paragraphs.As we understand in the first act, Vincentio assigns Angelo as a substitute duke of Vienna before he goes away from the city. We note that Vincentio’s choice of Angelo lacks logic (this is the first sign of weakness in Vincentio’s character), and Angelo, aware that such power easily corrupts, begs that he be tested before receiving the position, ‘let there be some more test made of my metal (act 1 scene 1, 48-50)’. In scene three we discover the nature of . . .
Notice the first sentence in this scene ‘No. Unfortunately Vincentio does not realise this. Once Vincentio sets up his test and vanishes, he tempts Angelo with absolute power, and in the end, this ‘test’ is to blame for Angelo’s downfall (act 5, scene 1). Vincentio even egotistically proposes to Isabella (act 5 scene 1, 531-53) a fledging nun, who has just spent the entire duration of the play, trying to elude and avoid temptation, lust, and corruption. People are convinced Vincentio is moral, and tested Angelo for the good of others, but ironically, Vincentio, ‘The Duke of Dark Corners’ cloaks his inner arrogance and selfishness in a Friars disguise. This is why I classified Vincentio under this word at the start of this essay. Holy Father, throw away that thought (act 1 scene 3)’. Therefore, I prithee, supply me with the habit, and instruct me how I may formally in person bear like a true Friar (act 1 scene 3, 44-48)’. this plan as Vincentio explains his actions to Friar Thomas. Also, one who assumes he has the right to temp others, and experiments with others while pretending to be a religious figure, is presumptuous. In fact, Vincentio’s tampering merely produces disorder and suffering. This is the first piece of evidence that shows Vincentio already having a putrid name with the Friar. Also, the loveless marriages which Vincentio commands are hardly nuptials at all. Not only is this dishonest to the city and inhabitants of Vienna, but he is in a way, deriding the religion, especially in an age where Christianity plays a large part in society.
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Acceptance Essays
