Measure for Measure Contents
- Social / political context
- Religious / philosophical context
- The Theatre
- Act I
- Act II
- Act III
- Act IV
- Act V
More on justice versus mercy
More on justice versus mercy: Here, and throughout the play, Shakespeare is echoing the biblical views which, in broad terms, are put forward by the Old and New Testament:
- The Old Testament, while portraying God as loving and merciful, also emphasises the need to keep God's law and the penalties for disobedience. This relationship with God is often called the Old Covenant
- In the New Testament, Christ demonstrates God's willingness to be merciful and forgive by offering himself as a sacrifice for human sin and so opens up a new way of redemption. This relationship of humanity with God is known as the New Covenant
- As all people are in need God's grace and forgiveness, so all should show forgiveness to others in their turn. Hence the title of the play, which indicates that those who judge others harshly may expect to be so judged themselves
- These ideas are forcefully put forward by Isabella in her meeting with Angelo in Act II sc ii. Shakespeare uses this same debate about justice and mercy in ‘The Merchant of Venice'. (See also Themes and significant ideas: Judgement on earth and in heaven.)
Relating to, or contained in, the Bible. The Christian Bible consists of the Old Testament scriptures inherited from Judaism, together with the New Testament.
A 'testament' is a covenant (binding agreement), a term used in the Bible of God's relationship with his people. The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible. Its name comes from the new covenant or relationship with God.
A 'testament' is a covenant or binding agreement and is a term used in the Bible of God's relationship with his people). The sacred writings of Judaism (the Hebrew Bible). These also form the first part of the Christian Bible.
Term used in the New Testament to describe the relationship between God and human beings presented in the Old Testament. Refers primarily to the the framework of laws believed to have been given by God to Moses.
Title (eventually used as name) given to Jesus, refering to an anointed person set apart for a special task such as a king.
1. The giving up of something deeply valued
2. Offerings a worshipper gives to God to express devotion, gratitude, or the need for forgiveness.
3. In the Bible, the sacrifice is seen to take away guilt and blame.
Disobedience to the known will of God. According to Christian theology human beings have displayed a pre-disposition to sin since the Fall of Humankind.
In Christian belief, the redemption of humanity was achieved by Jesus who in his death on the cross made a complete sacrifice sufficient to pay for the sins of the world.
A covenant is a binding agreement or treaty. Used in the Bible of God's relationship with his people. At the Last Supper, Jesus speaks of a 'new covenant' which will come into effect through his death.
The Bible describes God as the unique supreme being, creator and ruler of the universe.
Undeserved favour. The Bible uses this term to describe God's gifts to human beings.
1. The action of forgiving; pardon of a fault, remission of a debt.
2. Being freed from the burden of guilt, after committing a sin or crime, through being pardoned by the one hurt or offended.
1. The quality of being just. 2. Fairness. 3. The administration of the law.
The showing of pity and compassion; in particular, the grace and forgiveness offered by God to sinful humans if they repent of their wrong-doings.
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