“Uh, that is not my job.”

Isabella.  What an interesting predicament she has gotten herself into through this story? In Act 1 Scene 4 Isabella is addressing a Nun when she states, “[R]ather wishing a more strict restraint / Upon the sisterhood, the votarists of Saint Clare.” This little tid-bit gives great incite into her character by showing her devote nature to the rules and following of the church.  Also, a foreshadowing of what she will decide to do on her brother’s behalf.

            So, in theory she is not part of the nunnery when she is faced with the decision to save her brother or not. Consequently, she does want to be in the nunnery in the future and her decision could affect her ability to join.  Just because her brother couldn’t contain himself and acted as “rats that raven down proper bane” does not mean that she has to give up on her dreams.  Understandably, one can assume that this wasn’t the most feminist era. Even so, women shouldn’t be forced to give up their dreams to save their brothers for the mistake they knowingly made.

            Yes, one could argue that the Duke wasn’t holding down the law and that poor ‘ol Claudio did not know that it was that bad because the rules weren’t being enforced.  Whatever, he totally knew. As Angelo put it, "Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus, another thing to fall.”

            Then Claudio goes off in Act Three and tells his sister that he supports her in not giving her virginity to save his life.  But, just like Isabella called it, he sissies out.  He takes it back and then asks her to do it, even after talking to her and knowing how painful it would be for her.  She is willing to die for him and he asks her that? Really? Really.

            I believe that this in itself is a big pill to swallow for poor Isabella.  She just wants to become a nun and do holy things, but no, her brother messed up and now she has to make a choice.  Thankfully she called him out and basically told him to take a hike.  I fully support her decision and her beliefs on her brother showing his true (darkened) colors by having premarital sex and asking for this humongous favor. 

            Sadly, Isabella could not save her brother, would not save her brother.  Although, this outcome of justified death may tie into the idea of justice verses mercy.  Did he deserve to be saved after knowingly making a decision?  I don’t believe someone deserves mercy when they willingly decide to do unjust things and I believe that Isabella did the right thing by deciding to do what was best for her. You go, girl.