Public Versus Private -- Part II

To continue our discussion, let us look at the dichotomy found in Duke Vincentio of Measure for Measure, who dons a disguise during the course of the play to move freely among his people. For the time being, let us look beyond the plot and focus on why the Duke feels it necessary to conceal his identity.

His concern over his dukedom compels him to know more, but he is not a fool and does not necessarily trust what he is told. He wants to assess the situation for himself, and the only way to do so is through a disguise. How else could a royal trust what the people tell him? He notes -

I'll privily away. I love the people,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes.
Though it do well, I do not relish well
Their loud applause and aves vehement;
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
That does affect it...

(1.2.67-71)

The Duke obviously feels the pressure of maintaining his public image. It conflicts with his private person, which is more reserved. He knows it is important that his people see him and that his presence means something to them, but the entire idea of putting himself on "stage" is uncomfortable. Though he loves them, he would prefer to be more in the background than in the foreground, but the demands of his position do not permit it.

Shakespeare addresses the dilemma of kings, queens, dukes, and other persons of power. Though he often enough exposes their character flaws, including ambition, selfishness and irrational thinking, he also speaks to the pressures and difficulties they must struggle with day in and day out. For instance, finding someone to trust.

How does a royal find subjects who will tell the truth versus those who strictly speak out of fear or calculation? The honesty that is sought after, but not often found, is indicative of the dilemma these persons must deal with. It brings us back to the duke and his desire to move freely, and realizing that his best course of action was to be someone else.

The struggle between the private versus the public person is ongoing and the only respite from it seems to be concealment. A brief retreat that removes the person from his/her position and allows the two sides to separate for a brief time, with the private person stepping forward.

As said, it is a struggle that every person experiences on some level. We understand that society never fails in placing pressure on us while in the public eye. Most of us are most ourselves when alone.

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