Where is Order Found?The social and political orders of William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure and The Merchant of Venice vary, but still show firm criticism of the role of government within of the company. The conclusions of both these plays return to their original order and the characters are resolved in their own way. Measure for Measure offers the most severe critique of the role of political order in most of Shakespeare's plays. Through the actions of the Duke and Angelo, Shakespeare reveals the two distinct sides of the patriarchal political order, punishment and forgiveness. The Merchant of Venice shows the social order through the conflict that occurs between Shylock and Antonio. Through their conflict and final resolution, Shakespeare once again reveals his personal criticisms of the justice system and a distorted image of the middle-class social order. Both of these plays represent different orders within society and also show changes within them as the play progresses. The transformation and eventual restoration of political and social order in these two Shakespeare plays provide some similar critiques of the role that order plays within the boundaries of society. The political order in Measure for Measure is a strong but unstable patriarchy led by the Duke. The Duke orders Antonio to take his place and execute the “severe statutes and fiercest laws” of Vienna (1.1.19). These “strict statutes” and “laws” were obviously not enforced during the time of the Duke's patriarchal reign over the city of Vienna. The Duke's city is falling apart and is full of sin and lust. He gives his powers to Angelo and, according to the Duke, "lent him our terror, clothed him with our love" (1.1.20), signifying that there are only two ways to restore order, through forgiveness passive or harsh punishment. . These two very important aspects of the play are the essence of a patriarchal society that Shakespeare criticizes throughout the play. Angelo represents the patriarchal order and when he needed it he passed his power to his deputy, which signifies a change in the political order in the play. With the conclusion of the play, the patriarch returns and everything returns to how it was at the beginning. The original order at the beginning of Merchant of Venice lies in the conflict between the two characters, Shylock and Antonio. These two represent the social order that Shakespeare criticizes throughout the play.