What is Claudio’s offence, and how is he punished?
What is Claudio s offense and how is he punished for this Claudio is a famous character in Measure for Measure 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 - 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