EIREducational Innovation Research3029-18443029-1852WHIOCE PUBLISHING PTE. LTD.10.18063/EIR.v3i5.589ArticlePolitics of Reality in Measure for Measure: Duke Vincentio as a Machiavellianhttps://artdesignp.com/journal/EIR/3/5/10.18063/EIR.v3i5.589HuangYuandan2025352025-06-26In Measure for Measure, Shakespeare’s depiction of Duke Vincentio is often viewed through the lens of moral judgment and ideal leadership. However, upon closer inspection, the Duke’s actions reveal a Machiavellian political philosophy that subordinates morality to political expediency. By analyzing Vincentio's behavior — such as his dissimulation, his manipulation of Angelo, and his use of deceptive tactics like the bed trick — this paper demonstrates that the Duke’s approach to governance aligns closely with Machiavelli’s core principles of realism, thereby, positions Measure for Measure as not only a morality play but also a sophisticated political commentary, reflecting the complexities of governance and leadership as shown in Shakespeare’s political world.Measure for Measure,Duke Vincentio,Machiavellianism,political realism,governance

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