A Feminist Perspective on Measure for Measure
             "Measure for Measure," is a play about a woman on her knees. It is quite bothersome that her status in the play, socially, morally, and physically, only touches few sympathies. Marcia Reefer would share this bother. In her feminist essay entitled "Instruments of Some More Mightier Member" The Construction of Female Power in Measure for Measure," she speaks about how Isabella is trapped in a situation, that no matter her decision, she will still be looked at as making a mistake. Reifer and I share the opinion that Isabella is a strong witted and wonderfully unique individual that possesses higher personal values than anyone in the play is.
             Isabella's role in "Measure" is commonly viewed as being that of a "narrow minded but passionate girl afflicted with an irrational terror of sex" (Barton 546). Her role in the play is sometimes considered only important as far as the lines of comedy go. However I believe that her role is crucial in understanding, and unfolding the play's contextual themes. In parts of the play I found that Isabella's speeches become almost monosyllabic, and simple, where the central issues are revealed. She speaks very clearly that while she would die for her brother, the violation of her soul, which would come in the shame of yielding her body to another's lust, is too great a price to pay.
             Better it were a brother died at Once,
             Than that a sister, by redeeming him
             Should die for ever. (II.iv. 106-109)
             The above statement is quite simple, yet her religious beliefs and the more contemporary beliefs that women have rights to make choices about what will happen to her body and soul stand firm. Why would anyone want Isabella make matters worse, after all, her brother's actions have already occurred. She does not agree with his actions but still ple...