Themes presented in Act 1-Measure for Measure

A theme becoming noticeably present throughout Act 1 is that of religion, mayhap leave-taking of the larger them of religion. The Duke, Scene 1 line 70, speaks of universe greeted by aves vehement. The word Ave in Latin means Hail and is of ten dollar bill associated with prayer, particularly to the Virgin Mary (a figure prominent in Catholicism). This suggests that the common in Vienna see the Duke as a saviour and a figure to be worshipped. At the time of its pilot performance this would have conveyed to the hearing the prominence and power of the Duke in Vienna. However, the Duke says this greeting is practised he does not relish it, showing the audience possibly that the Duke is not arrogant and does not wish to be a replacement for someones faith it peradventure allows the audience to hold a respect for the Duke from the beginning of the play.In scene 2, the file name extensions to religion continue with Lucio speaking of the sanctimonious pirate that went out to sea wi th the ten commandments, exclusively scraped one off the table. This suggests a corruption of religion and its associated beliefs, which may foreshadow other themes coming subsequently in the play-those of right and wrong, particularly when escorting laws on whoredom and the confusion about marriage (should it be based on good faith or a legal ceremony). The pirate reference, particularly to the original audience, may have suggested that somebodyal interpretations and sinister dealings were going to occur in the performance.Both the reference to the pirate and aves could show how Shakespeare is presenting a problem play. They raise the question of how religion should be carried out and how it tolerate creep too far into everyday behaviour, until people begin to make powerful/adored figures idols and interpret religious teachings to suit their own behaviour.Scene 3, in the monastery, has two intertwining themes running through it-those of power and religion. The audience is prese nted with two powerful figures in their own right, one powerful due to his allegiance to God and perhaps less powerful in the workings of society and the other powerful due to his position in society and perceived almost as a God by his people. A silent power attempt appears to be occurring in the scene, not power for powers sake, but in order to earn the respect of the other. Throughout, the Duke appears to be justifying his argument in order to make it hefty less corrupted and more favourable in the eyes of the friar. This comes across in his greetings of Holy father and holy sir and flattery none knows better than you. The friar speaks politely to the Duke Gladly, my lord. There is some sense of balance or equality in this scene, as ordinarily the Duke would be seen to be more powerful, due to his reign on the justice system however, he knows that the only person who can help him is the friar and the friar has the weapon of being aware of why the Duke has disappeared.Justice a nd morality are two another themes running throughout Act 1. The main plot line of Claudio being sentenced is at the centre of these themes. At the time of the first performance, brothels were widely apparent and many powerful figures were cognize for making use of their services. This is made clear to the audience, with the scene set in a brothel and the funny references to sexual diseases and the portrayal of the brothel as an industry. This should show the audience that it was widely accepted that these places were a part of society, making Claudios actions look less severe. He talks of Julietta being fast my wife, apart from the legal proceeding so the fact he is being penalise for this action and others are getting away with prostitution seems even more immoral, it raises the question of whether Claudios actions are worse than the other male characters despite him being confining to one woman. This is open to interpretation by the actors, however, they may choose to play C laudios speech with comedy, to make it sound like a feeble excuse for his actions rather than a legitimate plea for justice, which could make it seem as though justice is being done.Again a sense of corruption is presented, this time in politics. The Duke, who has fled unexpectedly, has let the law be ignored for a number of years yet Claudio is being punished under it. This suggests the laws can be manipulated to suit the leader. This is similar to the corruption of religion mentioned earlier when the pirate changed the ten commandments to suit his lifestyle and ideals at the time.