The Good and Bad Angel in Measure for MeasureIn Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, Angel emerges as a double-faced character. Scholars have debated for centuries whether or not Angelo was a moral character or an evil character. Those scholars who support the notion of Angelo as moral often cite the following facts: the Duke obviously trusts Angelo, Angelo is despondent enough at the end of the play to offer a sincere apology, and Angelo tries to resist the temptation that Isabella presents. On the other hand, others have argued that Shakespeare depicts Angelo as a purely evil man. These critics point to Angelo's treatment of Marian, the Duke's possible suspicion of Angelo, his desire for Isabella, and his broken promise to Isabella. By examining Angelo in both of these circumstances, it will become apparent that the most successful interpretation of the character of Angelo is a combination of both of these aspects. Angelo describes some moral qualities throughout the play. The first example of Angelo's portrayal as a possible moral figure occurs in Act I, scene i. Here it becomes evident that the Duke trusts Angelo enough to leave him in charge of his people. The Duke tells Angelo that he has the power to "apply or qualify the laws / As to your soul it seems good" (Ii66-67), which shows that he must feel some respect for Angelo. Obviously, if Angelo does a poor job, it will reflect poorly on the Duke's judgment as a leader. Therefore, it would seem like a foolish move if the Duke left Angelo in charge and assumed that Angelo might do something dodgy (Rowse 360). Beyond that, the Duke's speeches demonstrate that he is an intelligent and sensitive man with...... middle of paper ......randes, Georg. William Shakespeare. New York: Macmillian Company, 1924, pp. 401-10Parrott, Thomas Marc. Shakespearean comedy. New York: Russell and Russell, Inc., 1949, pp. 335-65. Raleigh, Walter. Shakespeare. London: Macmillan and Company, Ltd., 1965, pp. 164-73.Rowse, A.L. William Shakespeare; A biography. New York: Harper and Row, 1963, pp. 360-65. The student may wish to begin the essay with the following quotes: Lord Angelo is precise; He stands guard with envy; the fear confessesThat his blood flows or that his appetiteIs more bread than stone.[I.iii.353-56]Man, a proud man, Clothed with little and brief authority, Most ignorant of that of which he is most sure, its glassy essence, like an angry monkey plays fantastic pranks in front of the high sky, how it makes angels cry.[II.ii.145-50]