Critique of Judgement in Shakespeare’s 'Measure for Measure' and 'Antony and Cleopatra' Rejoice Daimari College

Here we shall attempt at analyzing the judgements made by different characters of authority under different circumstances, limited to Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and Antony and Cleopatra, and their consequences. People of authority in both the mentioned plays often commit blunders by acting out in a wrong manner due to their fault of judgements. These errors of judgement change the course of their lives; their status and reputation. The caliber of one’s capacity of judgement always determines the outcome of a situation or problems. He should think rationally without being diluted by emotions in order to come up with the best possible decisions. But, in both the plays, there are instances when characters give away themselves to emotions and commit a blunder.

In Measure for Measure, the Duke of Vienna leaves the government in the hands of Angelo and himself decided to go somewhere. Angelo lightly protests that “let there be some more tests made by metal/ before so noble and so great a figure/ Be stamp’d upon it” (Act I, Scene I, line 49), but eventually agrees to see through the task bestowed upon him. This transfer of power by the duke was but a strategy by him to revive the laws which were too rigid to be put into effect....