디케의 저울 : 『자에는 자로』(Measure for Measure)에 나타난 법과 정의

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure from the perspectives of law and justice epitomized in the statue of Dike. The play deals with many topical social issues which have counterparts in Jacobean London, such as marriage, sex, law, and justice. Duke Vincentio of Vienna deputizes strict Angelo to govern his dukedom with the intention of straightening the loosened law. Angelo overrides his power and applies the law which was dormant for 19 years and sentences Claudio to be hanged for his transgressive fornication with Julia and making her pregnant. Angelo, however violates the law himself by demanding Isabella’s virtue in exchange for her brother’s life. The duke makes surveillance in disguise and manipulates the bed trick to entrap Angelo. The surveillance and the theatricality of power puts the power of authority, law and justice in question. Although the duke tries to contain all the disruptive voices in the reconciliation and in the festive mood of multiple marriages, there still remains the uncontained subversive voices from the marginalized in the play.