FASCINATING LITERATURE:
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE ON LAW
William Shakespeare's views on law are multifaceted and can be gleaned from his numerous plays, where he often explores themes of justice, authority, and the complexities of human behavior within legal frameworks. Across his works, Shakespeare presents a nuanced perspective on the law, highlighting its power, limitations, and moral implications.
One of the central themes in Shakespeare's exploration of law is the tension between justice and mercy. In "The Merchant of Venice," for instance, the character Portia famously declares, "The quality of mercy is not strained, It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath." Here, Shakespeare suggests that while the law is essential for maintaining order, true justice often requires compassion and understanding beyond strict legal codes. Portia's plea for mercy resonates with Shakespeare's belief in the importance of human empathy in the administration of justice.
Moreover, Shakespeare frequently portrays the law as a tool wielded by those in power to maintain their authority. In "Measure for Measure," the character Angelo abuses his position as a deputy to enforce strict moral codes, even as he himself succumbs to temptation. Through Angelo's hypocrisy, Shakespeare critiques the potential for corruption within legal institutions and emphasizes the need for integrity and accountability among those entrusted with legal authority.
At the same time, Shakespeare recognizes the necessity of law in preserving social order and preventing chaos. In "Henry V," the king grapples with the burdens of leadership and the responsibilities of governance, including the enforcement of laws and the dispensation of justice. Shakespeare portrays Henry as a ruler who strives to balance his duty to uphold the law with his concern for the welfare of his subjects, illustrating the complexities of leadership in a lawful society.
Furthermore, Shakespeare explores the moral dilemmas inherent in legal proceedings, particularly the tension between truth and deception. In "Othello," the protagonist's tragic downfall is precipitated by the manipulations of the villainous Iago, who exploits the legal system to achieve his nefarious ends. Shakespeare's depiction of Iago's Machiavellian machinations underscores the vulnerability of justice to manipulation and deceit, highlighting the importance of integrity and transparency in legal proceedings.
Additionally, Shakespeare interrogates the concept of divine justice and its relationship to human law. In "King Lear," the titular character experiences a profound existential crisis as he grapples with the injustices he perceives in the world. Shakespeare juxtaposes Lear's disillusionment with the apparent indifference of the natural order, suggesting that human laws are ultimately subject to the whims of fate and fortune.
In conclusion, William Shakespeare's views on law are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the moral and philosophical debates of his time. Through his plays, Shakespeare explores the tension between justice and mercy, the abuse of legal authority, the necessity of law for social order, the moral dilemmas of legal proceedings, and the relationship between human law and divine justice. Shakespeare's nuanced portrayal of these themes continues to resonate with audiences inviting reflection on the nature of law, justice and human morality.
Here are five quotes from Shakespeare's works that touch upon the lack of objectivity in the context of law:
1. "The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose." - (Merchant of Venice)
2. "Use every man after his desert, and who should 'scape whipping?" - (Hamlet)
3. "O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts, and men have lost their reason!" - (Julius Caesar)
4. "The law hath not been dead, though it hath slept." - (Measure for Measure)
5. "When lenity and cruelty play for a kingdom, the gentler gamester is the soonest winner." - (Henry V )
