Friday, June 7, 2024
Measure for Measure: A few observations on a speech by the Duke in Act 1, Scene 1
Yesterday I blogged about a speech spoken by the Duke to Escalus. The next speech I wrote about is also by the Duke and it is spoken to Angelo.
These words are spoken by the Duke to Angelo.
Where: These words are from Act 1 Scene 1 and are spoken by the Duke. It is spoken in the royal court of Venice.
When: After the Duke decides to give the responsibility of ruling Venice to Angelo with the help of Escalus.
How: The Duke says to Angelo that there was something about him that revealed his history or the story of his life. It is interesting that the word unfold is used by the Duke twice. It is used in the first speech and also in this speech. The meaning of the word unfold is "spread out from a folded state." It also means reveal. In this speech the word unfold is used to mean that the conduct and behaviour of Angelo showed to everyone what his upbringing or earlier life might have been like. Implying that Angelo has lots of virtues. The Duke says he should not waste them. The light given to us from heaven should not be lit for ourselves. If our virtues did not shine out of us it is the same as not having those virtues. Spirits are finely touched to do fine things yet nature is a thrifty goddess.
"Spirits are not finely touched
But to fine issues, not nature never lends
The smallest scruple of her excellence
But like a thrifty goddess she determines herself the glory of a creditor,
Both thanks and use."
I did not understand these lines that well and had to read it several times and guess the meaning. The meaning I guessed is as follows.
Nature does not easily give the title of excellent to someone unless excellence is really used in conduct. Scruple means small particle. Even a very small amount of excellence cannot be easily gained. It is not easy to get the approval for being excellent from nature. With these words the Duke is urging Angelo to be excellent in his duties as he performs them instead of the Duke.
The Duke bows to Angelo who can play his part. When the Duke leaves the Duke wants Angelo to be fully the Duke. To act like the Duke on behalf of the Duke. He will have the power to impart mortality and mercy in Venice.
Angelo will have the assistance of Escalus, the Duke assures Angelo. Thus although Escalus is first in rank he will be secondary to Angelo since Angelo is to act like the Duke.
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