The Obstructions to Control

Abstract

Control does not at all times come easily to the Duke. Angelo’s treacherous decision to sleep with Isabella (as he thinks) and also execute her brother clearly catches Vincentio off guard; though it must be said that on this occasion he improvises with exceptional skill and speed. Elsewhere, the ragged edges begin to show. There is a distinct impression of haste as he summons up his cohorts: ‘Go call Flavius’ house, And tell him where I stay. Give the like notice/ To Valentius, Rowland, and to Crassus,/ And bid them bring the trumpets to the gate;/ But send me Flavius first.’ Certainly there is no time for the elaborate welcome pageant found in Whetstone’s play, the main source. When Angelo reads Vincentio’s scrambled letters announcing his return, he says they ‘show much like to madness’ [IV. iv. 4].