The Significance of Barnadine in Measure for Measure

Barnadine in the play Measure for Measure does not play a major part in the play yet, he is a significant figure that stands apart from the rest of the characters. Barnadine is a long-term prisoner and is merely a drunk. He is encountered in the play when he is sentenced to be executed with Claudio. Barnadine's attitude towards death is significantly different than how death is conceived in the play. He creates a situation …

…has been centered on Claudio's will not to die. The difference between the two different attitudes of the men makes the situation laughable and ironic. One man is in fear of dying and the next could care less. Barnadine makes the audience or the reader question the judgment of the duke and his motive for helping Angelo. Barnadine also brings into the play some comically relief to the tragic situation taking place within the play.