Measure for Measure: A few observations from Act 1 Scene 1

Earlier this week I read a  speech (dialogue) spoken by the Duke in the play Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare.  

"Of government the properties to unfold 

Would seem in me to affect speech and discourse................of our own power, what you think of it? " 

While reading this paragraph I  asked myself a few questions and tried to answer them. 

Who are the characters in Act 1, Scene 1? 

Duke aka Vincentio and Escalus, an ancient Lord. 

Where is it taking place: The royal  court in Venice. 

How: By the decision of the Duke. 

What: words of encouragement to Escalus, informing Escalus of the Duke's decision to temporarily leave and give all responsibility and authority of governance to Escalus and Angelo. 

The Duke Vincentio says to Escalus these words. 

The play starts with the Duke wanting to temporarily transfer the responsibility of the government and says that the knowledge of Escalus is great in this area.

It is not clear why Vincentio the Duke wants to leave except for curiosity to see what his courtiers would do in his absence. 

This play makes me curious about human characters because this play has a myriad of characters.

The first scene makes me think about the role of the king. 

The king has the role of interpreting justice and practicing justice. 

The Duke is generous in praising the knowledge of Escalus. The words of the king to Escalus shows a bond that goes beyond king and courtier.  It shows the king has high expectations. This is a time of change for Venice. The Duke is leaving his position. The Duke is transferring responsibility to Escalus. 

Use clues in the text and your own knowledge to fill in the gaps and draw conclusions: 

The Duke's decision to give responsibility to Angelo and Escalus is not arrived at lightly or irresponsibly by the Duke. 

"For you must know we have with special soul elected him our absence to supply."

The Duke thought about this deeply. 

The clue is the phrase "special soul" which means deep consideration. 

Venice, its government, the institutions of administration, the king or Duke's  decision to leave and give responsibility of governance to Escalus and Angelo. The words with which the Duke tells Escalus about the decision. 

The decision is to give to Angelo all the powers the Duke himself had and all the responsibilities of the Duke and simultaneously gave him the outfit of the Duke's love. 

What do I already know about this text? 

I know the entire story since I read the play. 

Relate the text to yourself other texts and the world around you. This play reminds me of the play The Merchant of Venice because of its setting. 

The emotion in the words spoken by the Duke is so light and so encouraging. He tells Escalus that the Duke does not have to make a long speech about administrative responsibility since he knows them all anyway. He does not make it sound ominous. He does not make it look like Escalus will not be able to do well. He does not speak in a condescending manner to Escalus. 

What in the text makes sense and what does not make sense?

The reason for the Duke's decision is not clear and hence does not make sense.  But the way in which he gives the responsibility to Angelo and Escalus does make sense. 

The speech ends with a question to Escalus. The Duke asks Escalus what Escalus thinks of his decision.