Shakespeare's Measure for Measure has long puzzled critics with its complex portrayal of authority, morality, and justice. This article explores the play through a Machiavellian lens, examining how Duke Vincentio's actions and manipulations mirror principles outlined in Niccolò Machiavelli's political philosophy. By temporarily abdicating power and observing his deputy Angelo, the Duke orchestrates a "spectacle" of governance that tests the limits of law and human nature. The study analyzes the Duke's motivations, his methods of control and observation, and the outcomes of his experiment in relation to Machiavellian concepts of power, deception, and the necessity of sometimes acting against conventional morality for the sake of the state. The article argues that the Duke's theatrical approach, while ultimately leading to a form of restoration, reveals a pragmatic, almost Machiavellian, understanding of how power is maintained and virtue is tested in the public sphere. The unconventional resolution of the play is also considered in light of Machiavellian ideas about political necessity and the use of calculated actions to achieve desired ends.

Shakespeare, Measure for Measure, Machiavelli, Political philosophy, Power, Deception, Governance

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Planinc, V. (Year not specified). Citation details not provided in user input. (Referenced for assessment of the Duke's commitment to changing his people).

Machiavelli, N. (Year not specified). The Prince. (Referenced for ideas on satisfying the great vs. the people).

Machiavelli, N. (Year not specified). Discourses on Livy. (Referenced for various chapters on political dynamics).

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Condren, C. (2009). Citation details not provided in user input. (Referenced for discussion of the ambiguity of a specific line).

Knight, G. W. (Year not specified). Citation details not provided in user input. (Referenced for assessment of the Duke's government and self-analysis).

Shakespeare, W. (Year not specified). Much Ado About Nothing. (Referenced for Benedick's line).

Citation details not provided in user input. (Referenced for the title drawn from Matthew's Gospel).

Riefer, M. (1984). ‘Instruments for Some Mightier Member’: Instruments of Female Power in Measure for Measure. Shakespeare Quarterly, 35(2), 158.

Citation details not provided in user input. (Referenced for the deliberate cultivation of absurdity and Barnadine's release).

Citation details not provided in user input. (Referenced for Machiavelli's armed prophets and creating crisis).

Citation details not provided in user input. (Referenced for tension with Machiavelli on princes vs. institutions).