Liberty plucks justice by the nose; the baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart Goes all decorum

Liberty plucks justice by the nose; the baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart Goes all decorum

In William Shakespeare's play, "Measure for Measure," the character Lucio speaks the line, "Liberty plucks justice by the nose; the baby beats the nurse, and quite athwart Goes all decorum." This quote is a powerful and thought-provoking statement that reflects the themes of justice, liberty, and decorum in the play.

The phrase "Liberty plucks justice by the nose" suggests that freedom and justice are often at odds with each other. In the play, the Duke of Vienna hands over his power to Angelo, who enforces strict laws and punishments in the city. However, Angelo's strict enforcement of the law leads to injustices and abuses of power. This quote highlights the idea that when liberty is taken away in the name of justice, true justice is often compromised.

The second part of the quote, "the baby beats the nurse," can be interpreted as a metaphor for the reversal of roles or the disruption of order. In the play, characters like Angelo and Isabella challenge traditional power dynamics and societal norms. The quote suggests that when the established order is disrupted, chaos and confusion can ensue.

Finally, the phrase "quite athwart Goes all decorum" speaks to the breakdown of social norms and conventions. In "Measure for Measure," characters struggle with issues of morality, virtue, and propriety. The quote suggests that when justice, liberty, and order are in conflict, decorum and social norms are thrown into disarray.

Overall, this quote from "Measure for Measure" encapsulates the complex and nuanced themes that Shakespeare explores in the play. It challenges the audience to consider the delicate balance between justice and liberty, the disruption of traditional power structures, and the consequences of societal upheaval. Shakespeare's words continue to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the timeless and universal truths about human nature and society.