A History of the Criticism of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure

Abstract

The play Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare has possibly suffered more abusive criticism than any other play by Shakespeare with the exception of Hamlet. The important thing to be considered in this matter is not the tremendous quantity of criticism but the almost infinite diversity of opinion which is contained in the machinations of critics since the early eighteenth century. The diversity of opinion is so great, and threatens to become even greater, that it has created an artificial situation in which the interest no longer lies in the play itself but is now concentrated in the idea of finding a solution to the labyrinth of ideas which surround the play. The criticism of the play, or the interest in the criticism, has now actually superseded the interest in the play itself. That is, it is rare today that the play is considered worthy of production. It has been relegated to the closet with the idea in mind that it best serves as a means to an end. It serves as a stimulus to critical speculation. The controversy which rages about the play may be demonstrated easily if only a few of the problems, which lie both in the play and external to it, are investigated. It can be seen that critics have touched almost every facet of the play, and to present some of them here will serve not only to demonstrate the nature of some of the problems but the diversity of treatment and of approach which has been used by the critics of the last two hundred years. ......