“ Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it? ”
William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Measure for Measure |
| Topic | responsibility guilt |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1603 and 1604 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23045/23045-h/23045-h.htm |
Context
“Well; the matter? Isab. I have a brother is condemn'd to die:
35 I do beseech you, let it be his fault, And not my brother. Prov. [Aside] Heaven give thee moving graces!
Ang. Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it?
Why, every fault's condemn'd ere it be done: Mine were the very cipher of a function, 40 To fine the faults whose fine stands in record, And let go by the actor. Isab. O just but severe law! I had a brother, then.—Heaven keep your honour!” source
35 I do beseech you, let it be his fault, And not my brother. Prov. [Aside] Heaven give thee moving graces!
Ang. Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it?
Why, every fault's condemn'd ere it be done: Mine were the very cipher of a function, 40 To fine the faults whose fine stands in record, And let go by the actor. Isab. O just but severe law! I had a brother, then.—Heaven keep your honour!” source
Meaning and analysis
