Student Question

What examples from acts 1 and 2 of Measure for Measure show Isabella as a symbol of chastity and mercy?

Quick answer:

Some examples of Isabella's chastity and championing of mercy in acts 1 and 2 include her being on the verge of entering a nunnery and her brave intercession on her brother's behalf after he's been arrested.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In act 1, scene 4 of Measure for Measure, Isabella is getting ready to join a convent. She's being shown around what will be her new home by Francesca, a nun of the order of St. Claire. It will be her job to instruct Isabella, the novice nun, as she prepares to take her vows.

Without knowing much about Isabella, one can safely infer that she is a chaste, pure young woman. Otherwise, we might conclude, she would not be about to enter a convent. In her brief conversation with Francesca, Isabella confirms the purity of her nature by saying that she wished there were more restrictions placed upon the St. Claire sisterhood. This is clearly a very serious young woman, utterly devoted to life as a bride of Christ.

On a less serious note, Isabella's chastity is illustrated when Lucio turns up at the convent door and starts talking to her:

Hail, virgin, if you be, as those cheek-roses

Proclaim you are no less! (I, iv, 17–18)

In other words, Lucio is able to conclude that Isabella is chaste simply by virtue of her rosy cheeks.

As it is, Lucio brings bad tidings for Isabella. Her brother Claudio has been sentenced to death for impregnating an unmarried woman. Before Isabella has had any time to get used to life as a novice nun, she takes off to see the firm, unbending Lord Angelo to beg for mercy.

In act 2, scene 2, we see Isabella practically throw herself at Angelo's feet in an attempt to save her brother from being executed:

I have a brother is condemn'd to die:

I do beseech you, let it be his fault,

And not my brother. (II, ii, 47–50)

In other words, Isabella urges Angelo to condemn the crime but not the man who committed it. Christians will often say that you should love the sinner but hate the sin, and that's the kind of logic that Isabella's using here. In any case, by interceding with Angelo on her brother's behalf, she's showing herself to be a champion of mercy.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial