Disguise, Downclassing, and Social Invisibility in Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure and King Lear

This article investigates the disguise of Duke Vincentio in Measure for Measure and that of Earl Kent in King Lear. It argues that through their disguises and downclassing, the two characters transgress their elite social position to maintain further power, control, status, and authority. Their aims are geared towards benefiting themselves. M. C. Bradbrook relates disguises to a decrease in social status, and Patrick Chura defines downclassing as experiencing the harsh life conditions of the less fortunate classes. By considering these views and the two plays’ socio-political contexts, the article maintains that Shakespeare disguised Vincentio and Kent to suggest moral weaknesses on their parts. Also, Vincentio’s and Kent’s motives, social invisibility, and social roles determine and complicate their chosen forms of disguise and downclassing. The article suggests that Kent’s disguise is more practical than the Duke’s. It concludes that the two disguises might indicate Shakespeare’s political mocking of the upper classes of his time. Keywords: Disguise, Downclassing, Social Invisibility, Measure for Measure, King Lear.