Measure for Measure

Drama | William Shakespeare
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What is Claudio’s offence, and how is he punished? 

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What is Claudio’s offense, and how is he punished for this? (2019)

Claudio is a famous character in “Measure for Measure” (1623). His story begins the main moral conflict in this play. He is a young man of Vienna who commits a human mistake, not a cruel crime. Yet his punishment becomes too harsh. Through Claudio’s suffering, Shakespeare (1564-1616) questions law, morality, and mercy.

Claudio’s Offense: Claudio’s crime is fornication: he has physical relations with Juliet before marriage. He says to Lucio, 

“Upon a true contract I got possession of Juliet’s bed.”

This indicates that they were deeply engaged and loved each other. Their marriage was delayed only for the dowry. Thus, his act was not a lustful sin but a mistake of passion and love.

Angelo’s Harsh Law: When the Duke leaves Vienna, he gives power to Angelo. Angelo revives an old, forgotten law against

sex before marriage. He arrests Claudio and condemns him to death. Lucio cries, 

“Is lechery so looked after?”

His words express the shock at such a cruel punishment. 

Claudio’s Suffering and Plea: Claudio’s arrest brings pain not only to him but also to his sister, Isabella. He asks Lucio to “acquaint her with the danger of my state.” Claudio’s suffering is moral and emotional. He repents for his fault but knows his punishment is unjust. 

Symbol of Justice without Mercy: Claudio’s case becomes a symbol of Angelo’s hypocrisy. While Claudio faces death for a natural human act, Angelo himself burns with lust for Isabella. Claudio’s punishment thus exposes moral corruption under the mask of virtue and the danger of blind law.

In short, Claudio’s offense is small, but his punishment is great. Shakespeare uses his tragedy to illustrate that justice without mercy can lead to cruelty. 

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William Shakespeare
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from Measure for Measure