Is 'Measure for Measure' a play which condemns excessive virtue as much as it does excessive vice?

Angelo and Lucio have very similar trials, are both accused of sexual crimes. Their crimes are paralleled and their punishments are too. These are two characters who are excessive in their respective virtue or vice, and thus their condemnations offer a parallel and commentary between the two.Excessive virtue is criticised in both Angelo and Isabella, as Angelo's thoughts become twisted when met with his equal in regards to virtue, and Isabella is too cold and thus would rather condemn her brother to death than to indulge in sin.Virtue is used to critique vice, in particular seen through commentaries made by Isabella in regards to the laws in Vienna, and Lucio's descriptions of Isabella. Angelo's lust for Isabella in spite of her religious convictions shows that vice and virtue can co-exist within a person, let alone the state. Both virtue and vice are condemned in equal measure throughout the play, and thus both must be able to co-exist.

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Answered by Sarah P. English Literature tutor

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