Isabella

Isabella in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure

Isabella in Measure for Measure personifies innocent virtue. Hers is an untested virtue that withstands the ultimate trial as shown in her appeal for mercy towards Angelo whom she believes to have ordered the execution of her brother. This action overcomes the questions aroused about her character when she is unwilling to sacrifice her virtue to save her brother's life. To finally allay all doubt as to how Isabella is "measured," the Duke's proposal at the end of the play stands as proof she has passed the test.

When Claudio describes his sister to Lucio in I.i.182-186, he says ". . . in her youth There is a prone and speechless dialect, Such as move men; beside, she hath prosperous art When she will play with reason and discourse, And well she can persuade." On arriving at the convent where she is preparing to take vows, Lucio at first glance recognizes her for a virgin "as those cheek-roses Proclaim no less!" As he unfolds the plight of her brother she is prepared to immediately leave to speak on Claudio's behalf. The Provost announces her to Angelo in II.ii.20-22. "Ay, my good lord, a very virtuous maid, And to be shortly of a sisterhood, If not already." Thus Isabella is introduced as a virtuous young woman with intelligence, looks, and concern.

In her initial interview with Angelo, Isabella clearly indicates her willingness to die in her brother's stead or anything that would not affect her eternal position when she says, "were I under the terms of death, Th' impression of keen whips I'ld wear as rubies, And strip myself to death, as to a bed That longing have been sick for, ere I'ld yield My body up to shame." II.iv.100-104.

When Claudio selfishly asks her to go against her conscience, she refuses realizing that the sacrifice is one she could not live with. Some see this as a flaw in her character. However, it can also be seen as honesty in character. We all have certain standards and limits that we must conform with in order to live with ourselves. Isabella, hating the consequence, recognizes that, for her, two wrongs cannot make a right.

At the Duke's suggestion of a substitute bed partner, Isabella is only persuaded when assured of Mariana's love for Angelo and the legal and moral "right"-ness of the act. She desires to save her brother but even when the burden is removed from herself needs the assurance that compliance will not be a burden to others.

In the final resolutions of Act V after having exposed Angelo, she waivers only slightly before pleading mercy for Angelo. He has committed a distasteful act (in her eyes) and she believes he has had her brother killed in spite of his promise to spare him, but still, she can speak for mercy which she has expounded from the beginning. With the Duke's proposal we see Isabella having represented innocent virtue through trying circumstances "measured" not wanting.

Shakespeare's Isabella is portrayed as an upright young woman who remains true to her ideals. In human relationships ideals can be found out of line when in opposition to another's ideals, but this does not lessen Isabella's virtuous character in the least.