Justice vs Morality

Justice is the implementation of fairness and consequences, due to a rational set of what is right and wrong, especially as it is defined by laws set up by a government or a religion. Mercy involves empathy and forgiveness (over justice), and often a guilty or powerless person receives mercy from someone in power.

I think that a balance of a merciful justice is needed for any society. Angelo fulfills the role of a leader by enforcing laws, but he is not necessarily “just,” since he puts himself above fairness and certainly is not moral. The Duke disguises himself as an ordinary citizen, providing mercy, even if it is through trickery. The balance, I think, may sometimes lie in the different roles: leaders enforcing justice and society providing mercy.

Now, Isabella’s dilemma is very creepy, and I agree that she should stick to her beliefs and not give into Angelo’s blackmail. As she puts it, damning her soul forever by having sex with him does not justify saving her brother’s physical body. Angelo’s character is only a satisfying villain in that he contrasts and provokes Isabella’s character. I can’t stop thinking that Isabella’s strong resistance to Angelo’s advances is preferable to Tess’ ignorance when faced with Alec in Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles.

If she decided to give into his wishes, it would not be justice since there are not laws saying that a volunteer tribute of virginity can pay the bail for a man on death row. It certainly would not be merciful either, since she is not the one in power; she would be the victim of Angelo’s uber-creepiness. Her choice coincided with the justice of her religious faith, since it is her fear of consequences to her soul which keep her strong against Angelo’s intimidation.