The Portrayal of Lucio

Thesis Statement

Lucio is clearly a rogue, a liar and a deceiver, but nevertheless, in the theatre, the humour that arises from the outrageousness of his behaviour usually attracts at least some sympathy from the audience.

Introduciton

Lucio may at first seem a straightforward character - lewd, crude and a liar, but one who introduces a good deal of humour into the play. However, like many of the characters in Measure for Measure, he can be problematic. When we first meet Lucio, it is at the beginning of Act I sc ii, in a scene which is in direct juxtaposition to the mood and topic of the previous one.

Shakespeare also depicts Lucio as the friend of Claudio - a young man whose only sexual encounter, as far as we know, is with Juliet, whom he regards as 'fast my wife'. (Nagarajan, pp111)

At Duke Vincentio's Palace in Vienna, the Duke transfers his powers and duties to Angelo since the Duke is leaving town for a while. The Duke makes Escalus Angelo's assistant. At a tower, Lucio tells his friends he hopes the Duke comes to agreement with the King of Hungary, lest the king take over the town. Mistress Overdone (a prostitute) informs them that Claudio is arrested and sentenced to death for impregnating Madam Julietta (his fiance‚).

Furthermore, Pompey informs Overdone that Angelo plans to tear down London's brothels. Lucio promises Claudio that he'll ask Isabella (Claudio's sister) to convince the deputy to free him out of kindness. At a monastery, the Duke informs Friar Thomas that he appointed Angelo knowing full well he would clean up the town's prostitution. He wishes Angelo to do it so the people will fear and detest him rather than the Duke. The duke plans to watch the proceedings by posing as a monk. Lucio comes to Isabella at a nunnery and convinces her to beg Angelo for mercy on her brother. Escalus too tries to dissuade Angelo from his harsh judgement, but Angelo insists that Claudio be executed.

Disucssion

Constable brings Pompey (Overdone's pimp) and Froth to Angelo and Escalus accusing them of illegal doings. Angelo leaves, then Escalus warns Froth and Pompey of new enforcement of the laws, then lets them go. Constable Elbow continually uses the wrong words in sentences (eg. detest for protest, cardinally for carnally, etc.) and repeats to a Justice that it is sad that Claudio is to die. Even ...