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 this plan as Vincentio explains his actions to Friar Thomas.
             Notice the first sentence in this scene 'No. Holy Father, throw away that thought (act 1 scene 3)'. This is the first piece of evidence that shows Vincentio already having a putrid name with the Friar.
             Vincentio declares that he will observe Angelo through a religious disguise, 'I will, as 'twere a brother of your order, visit both prince and people. 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)'. 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.
             Also, one who assumes he has the right to temp others, and experiments with others while pretending to be a religious figure, is presumptuous. This is why I classified Vincentio under this word at the start of this essay.
             Once Vincentio sets up his test and vanishes, he tempts Angelo with absolute power, and in
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