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Pompey's Use Of Evil In Measure For Measure

Decent Essays

In this short passage of Measure for Measure, the theme is “evil is persuasive.” Shakespeare uses repetition to convey this idea. Evil is being represented by Pompey who Elbow calls, “O thou caitiff, O thou varlet, O thou wicked/ Hannibal!” (2.1.156-157). The words caitiff, varlet, and wicked are repeated many times throughout the passage to give emphasis to Pompey’s evil, cheating character. Pompey is brought to court to explain why he used Elbow’s wife as a prostitute by pimping her out to Master Froth. He uses persuasion to try to get away of imprisonment for his crime. First he says, “Once sir? There was nothing done to her once” (2.1.128) He starts the conversation by trying to say that what he did was a good thing, or else it would not have happened more than once. Then, instead of just telling Escalus what happens, he says, “I beseech your honour, ask me?” (2.1.130) He is dying …show more content…

Only an honest Christian would take an oath upon a bible, so he uses this idea to trick everyone in believing in what he is saying. He then refers to Froth as Master, a word usually used in reference to God. Early in the passage Pompey says, “How could Master Froth do the constable’s wife any/ harm?” (2.1.42-43). One can again relate Froth to God, as not only is he being called Master, but he is being seen as someone who can do no harm, only good. Pompey seems to portray Elbow’s wife’s prostitution as a sacrifice to God (Froth). However, he is completely aware that he has committed a crime. This awareness can be understood in his repetitive use of the word beseech, which mean to implore. When someone is imploring, he or she is asking for mercy and only someone who has does not deserve mercy will ask for it. Therefore, Pompey knows he needs to ask for mercy because it will not simply be handed to

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