I was
baffled today by the question “was Isabella’s choice justified?” and not
because I didn’t know the answer: because there is a clear answer and I’m a
little bit disgusted that it was actually a question being asked.
No one
is ever obligated to justify not wanting to have sex with someone else. Maybe
Angelo grossed her out, maybe he was creepy, maybe she really wanted to be a
nun, or maybe she just doesn't swing for that team. None of these
questions/justifications are necessary. Isabella didn't want to sleep with him,
end of story. It doesn't matter if her brother is going to die because of it,
it is her choice and her choice should be respected, not scrutinized for how
justified it was.
Not to
mention that even if you read the story without the scene we watched in mind,
even if you interpret it as word for word what is written and no more, Angelo
is trying to coerce her into sex. He is using her brother’s death as blackmail
for her body. That is rape and she had every right to say no to him.
Sorry,
this just bothered me so much during class and I had to post about it.
