Shakespeare's famous play, Measure for Measure, is generally classified in the genre of a black comedy. I'm not entirely sure if it fits this particular Shakespearean writing best or not, but I do know that there is more darkness than comedy. The writing takes place in Vienna, Italy, in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Duke of Vienna has decided to go on a trip and will place a successor, Lord Angelo, in his place during his absence. No one in the town knows this, but the Duke decides to stay in his town so he can spy on the citizens and leaders. This minor development marks the beginning of a whirlwind of plot, themes, and character development. However, one character and one plot are highlighted in this famous writing. Isabelle, a virtuous and pious woman, must make the decision to either renounce her chastity and make a vow to God, or allow her brother to face seemingly certain death. It is the multiple facets and reasons for this choice that have made this Shakespearean play so popular. The person watching or reading wants to know what choice they will make. One of the first things Lord Angelo does after succeeding the Duke is to apply the already existing rules to the people. Lord Angelo seems to consider himself a little more of a disciplinarian than the Duke. Unfortunately, it is Isabella's brother, Claudio, who is Angelo's example to the whole town. Claudio slept with his long-time girlfriend, Juliet. Juliette is now pregnant and the whole town knows about their "sin". Lord Angelo wants the town to know that this type of behavior is unacceptable and summons Claudio to be killed. Claudio quickly calls his loving and pious sister Isabella to come and vouch for him...... middle of paper ...... to see that Lord Angelo's inner character was unprepared for the power that brought him been given. I think we say this all the time in our society, from Tiger Woods to Donald Trump. It's sad to see, but most people placed in high positions of power become corrupted over time. I see Isabella's response to Lord Angelo's corruption as the response of many of us to the leaders of our time. The conflict continues and we long for our good Savior, as typified by the Duke, to come and rule us once more with justice and mercy. For some reason I longed for my Savior seeing the Duke's response at the end of the story. Isabella's choice to remain true to her vows while seeking and longing for justice is intertwined with the entire story. Ultimately, we see that justice and mercy prevail, in part, through Isabella's choices..