The Growth of Angelo and Pompey Measure for MeasureIt is very difficult for a state to impose morality on its citizens since morality tends to be relative. What adds to the complexity is the fact that everyone has sinned – the enforcer of the law is as much at fault as the accused. This problem comes to a head in Shakespeare's play, "Measure for Measure", where Angelo carries out the death sentence for fornication against Claudio. Angelo then uses Claudio's problem as leverage to get his sister to commit the same crime with him. Throughout this play, Angelo's sins are exposed to him and he goes through a process of repentance, payment, and growth. The same thing happens to pathetic Pompey. Angelo's sin is to blackmail Claudio's sister Isabella with her brother's death if she does not sleep with him, "...and that there was no earthly way to save him, but whether you must lay down the treasures of your body” (2.4.95-97) Isabella and the disguised Duke alone know sin With no one to enforce the laws of morality on Angelo, he has the freedom to rape people. defenseless. The crime Angelo is going to commit is known and planned by him. He doesn't realize it's wrong until he has no other choice: "Do you have a thought, or. a word, or a spirit, or an impudence, which can still do your office? If you have done so, count on it until my story is heard, And hold no more. » (5.1.371-374). Selfishness has caught up with Angelo and he realizes that the only way out is to repent: "I should be more guilty than my guilt... But let my trace be my own confession. An immediate condemnation and then the death are all the grace I ask. (5.1.375, 5.1.380-382). People may argue that Angelo only did this to get out of trouble. Is it repentance... in the middle of a paper... desire to learn, sir; and I hope that if you have the opportunity to use me in your turn, you will find me there. For truly, sir, for your kindness, I owe you a good service." (4.2.56-59). Finally, he learns what kind of life he led while passing through the prison, reviewing all his old business relationships. The decision he made to start a new life put him on the opposite side of the bars from his old friends. Pompey realizes that his old life would only drag him down. The rest of the story. sees faithfully fulfilling his duty. Black, James. “The progress of measure for measure.” Shakespeare Survey 26 (1973): 119-28. “The “meaning” of measure for measure” Shakespeare Survey 3 ( 1950): 69-71. Shakespeare, William. The Arden Shakespeare Ed. London: Routledge.., 1995.