Critical Interpretations (Edexcel A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes

Critical Interpretations

What are Critical Interpretations?

From the exam board: "As part of their study of their selected Shakespeare play, students should engage with different interpretations."

How should Critical Interpretations be used?

• Grasp the interpretation being presented regarding the literary text(s).
• Contrast the critic's viewpoint with your reading of the text (or that of another critic or classmate). Note any similarities or differences.
• Agree with the critic's point and find further evidence in Shakespeare's text to support and expand it.
• Disagree with the critic's stance and identify evidence in Shakespeare's text that might bolster your counterargument.
• Adjust the critic's position by finding one aspect you can endorse and another that you wish to refine and clarify with evidence from the text.
• Choose specific quotations that either support or challenge your interpretation of the text to enhance your discussion or literary essay.
• Make sure to reference critical quotations in your essay by using quotation marks and writing down the critic's last name!

Critical Interpretations with Analysis

Walter Kerr - Tragedy and Comedy

"Tragedy speaks always of freedom. Comedy will speak of nothing but limitation."

Walter Kerr, 'Tragedy and Comedy', 1967.

• Kerr highlights the thematic contrast between tragedy and comedy, emphasising that comedy often deals with the constraints and limitations faced by characters.
• In Measure for Measure, this concept is illustrated through the restrictions imposed by societal and legal structures on the characters' actions and desires.
• This interpretation underscores the play's exploration of moral and legal boundaries.

Supporting Evidence

"Thus can the demigod, Authority, Make us pay down for our offence by weight The words of heaven: on whom it will, it will; On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just." (Act 1, Scene 2)

• Claudio's lament about the arbitrary nature of authority reflects the limitations and constraints imposed by those in power.

"We have strict statutes and most biting laws." (Act 1, Scene 3)

• The Duke's comment on the harsh laws governing Vienna highlights the restrictive nature of the legal system.

Opposing Evidence

"Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; Like doth quit like, and Measure still for Measure." (Act 5, Scene 1)

• The concept of "measure for measure" suggests a balanced and just resolution, indicating a form of moral freedom within the constraints.

Paul Cheetham - Justice and Mercy in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure

"Measure for Measure is written by a playwright persistently preoccupied with the question of law enforcement in a manner consistent with humanity."

Paul Cheetham, 'Justice and Mercy in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure', 2009.

• Cheetham argues that Shakespeare is deeply concerned with balancing justice and mercy in the enforcement of laws.
• The play explores how strict adherence to the law can conflict with human compassion and the need for mercy.
• This interpretation highlights the moral complexities faced by the characters, particularly the Duke and Angelo.

Supporting Evidence

"Mortality and mercy in Vienna Live in thy tongue and heart." (Act 1, Scene 1)

• The Duke's instruction to Angelo emphasises the balance between strict justice and compassionate mercy.

"O, it is excellent To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant." (Act 2, Scene 2)

• Isabella's plea to Angelo reflects the need for tempering justice with mercy.

Opposing Evidence

"Let mine own judgement pattern out my death, And nothing come in partial." (Act 2, Scene 1)

• Angelo's insistence on strict justice without mercy challenges the balance Cheetham describes.

John D. Cox - The Mediaeval Background of Measure for Measure

"The women's role in the story is to be the tempter of men."

John D. Cox, 'The Mediaeval Background of "Measure for Measure"', 1983.

• Cox discusses the traditional role of women in mediaeval narratives as tempresses, which is evident in Measure for Measure.
• Characters like Isabella and Mariana are placed in situations where their actions tempt or test the men around them.
• This interpretation emphasises the gender dynamics and the moral testing of male characters through female influence.

Supporting Evidence

"More than our brother is our chastity." (Act 2, Scene 4)

• Isabella's emphasis on her chastity positions her as a moral touchstone and a tempter testing Angelo's virtue.

"He hath a garden circummured with brick, Whose western side is with a vineyard backed; And to that vineyard is a planchèd gate, That makes his opening with this bigger key: This other doth command a little door Which from the vineyard to the garden leads; There have I made my promise Upon the heavy middle of the night To call upon him." (Act 4, Scene 1)

• Mariana's role in the bed trick further underscores the theme of women as tempters.

Opposing Evidence

"I have a motion much imports your good; Whereto if you'll a willing ear incline, What's mine is yours and what is yours is mine." (Act 5, Scene 1)

• The Duke's proposal to Isabella positions her not as a tempter but as a partner, challenging the simplicity of Cox's assertion.

Cedric Watts - Critical Studies: Measure For Measure

"The Duke's intentions may be benevolent, but his tone often lacks considerate sensitivity."

Cedric Watts, 'Critical Studies: Measure For Measure', 1989.

• Watts critiques the Duke's benevolence, suggesting that while his actions are meant to be just, his approach lacks empathy.
• The Duke's manipulation and disguise as a friar raise questions about his methods and the genuine consideration of those he governs.
• This interpretation highlights the complexity of the Duke's character and his moral ambiguity.

Supporting Evidence

"He who the sword of heaven will bear Should be as holy as severe." (Act 3, Scene 1)

• The Duke's reflexion on the nature of authority emphasises the need for a balance of severity and holiness, which he struggles to maintain.

"And given me justice, justice, justice, justice!" (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Isabella's plea for justice reflects the Duke's failure to adequately address her concerns with sensitivity.

Opposing Evidence

"If any in Vienna be of worth To undergo such ample grace and honour, It is Lord Angelo." (Act 1, Scene 1)

• The Duke's initial praise of Angelo suggests a considerate and thoughtful appointment, countering Watts's critique.

Jonathan Dollimore - Transgression and Surveillance in Measure for Measure

"Angelo is a presentation of 'authoritarian repression'."

Jonathan Dollimore, 'Transgression and Surveillance in Measure for Measure', 2005.

• Dollimore presents Angelo as the embodiment of strict authoritarianism, using his power to enforce moral and legal repression.
• Angelo's character highlights the dangers of unchecked authority and the potential for abuse of power.
• This interpretation focuses on the themes of surveillance, control, and the impact of authoritarian rule.

Supporting Evidence

"We must not make a scarecrow of the law, Setting it up to fear the birds of prey, And let it keep one shape, till custom make it Their perch and not their terror." (Act 2, Scene 1)

• Angelo's rigid enforcement of the law reflects his authoritarian nature.

"Say what you can, my false overweight you're true." (Act 2, Scene 4)

• Angelo's dismissal of Isabella's pleas illustrates his repressive and uncompromising authority.

Opposing Evidence

"I love the people, But do not like to stage me to their eyes." (Act 1, Scene 1)

• The Duke's reluctance to appear publicly suggests a different model of governance, contrasting with Angelo's authoritarianism.