Diseases: The language of disease runs all throughout Measure for Measure. Here, in 1.2 there is a literal reference to the widespread contraction of sexually transmitted diseases in Vienna. The uncontained disease is attributed by the authorities to the uncontained promiscuity of its citizens and specifically, the base popularity of the brothels. However, the language of disease is used throughout the play not only in literal instances such as this, but also to characterize the state of Vienna as a whole. By associating the widespread vice in the city with disease, the language suggests that the corruption in Vienna is contagious, spreading from one part of the city to another, and challenging the authorities to contain it. The language also suggests the widespread vulnerability of the citizens to this corruption; this is made clear when we see every sector of society fall susceptible to their sexual desires from the "base rogues" to the gentlemen and authorities of Vienna themselves. Disease is also thought to be spread by uncleanliness, which further highlights the immorality at the root of all this corruption. Additionally, simply the fact that disease is bodily, allows the audience to perceive Vienna as an entire infected body. With all the parts of the body interconnected, if an infections agent enters one part, the rest of the body will suffer as well. It is in this way that throughout Measure for Measure, the plot and subplot are constantly connected; we can view the vices of the underworld as inextricably intertwined with the immorality and deception of the higher levels of society. |