JUSTICE OR INJUSTICE IN SHAKESPEAREAN PLAYS: MERCHANT OF VENICE AND MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Author (s) : R.Revathi & Dr. D. Martin Luthar, A.Soundarya

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Abstract :
This article deals with the concepts of “justice” and “injustice” revealed in two of the Shakespearean plays: Merchant of Venice and Measure for Measure. An English playwright, poet, and actor, William Shakespeare has been widely accepted as the most successful writer producing literary works in English. Shakespeare has a great wit in illuminating the human experience and human psyche. Thus, the Shakespearean drama draws its power from the fact that Shakespeare reflects the essence of man vividly. He created impressive characters and striking situations in his plays that pass the test of time and have become immortal. Shakespeare’s genius also lies in his consistency. Together with the nature of man, Shakespeare also expresses the conflicts of the court and social life as in the examples of Merchant of Venice and Measure for Measure. In this respect, the application of laws and its effects on the social life are the basic themes which will be discussed in this study. Both in Merchant of Venice and Measure for Measure, Shakespeare concluded the plays so masterfully that it is now reader’s responsibility to decide whether the court and society are “just” enough while judging the others. In this respect, this study, will try to give some examples from both of the plays admitting that the concept of “justice” is hard to define not only in Merchant of Venice but also in Measure for Measure. The conclusions of this study will shed further light on the discussion about the justness of Shakespearean plays.

Keywords : illuminating, vividly, Merchant, Venice

Conference Date : 17/09/2021

Pages : 247

Paper ID : IESMDT245