Measure for Measure follows the deeds of a corrupt lord left in charge of Vienna, while the Duke disguises himself to discover just how bad the morals in his city have degraded.
Measure for Measure Summary
Duke Vincentio of Vienna knows that his city is in trouble morally and spiritually. He decides to go undercover as Friar Lodowick, and discover just how bad things have become. He leaves Lord Angelo in charge, assisted by Escalus, and tells them he is going on a trip. He instructs them to enforce the strictest moral laws, including the death penalty for lechery. Lord Angelo takes great delight in carrying these orders out, and ends up sentencing Claudio to death for impregnating his fiance Juliet before they were married. Lucio finds out about the sentence and sends for Claudio’s sister Isabella, who is so spiritually pure that she is planning to enter a convent. She comes back to the city and pleads with Angelo for leniency for her brother. Angelo agrees, but only if she will sleep with him. Appalled, she refuses, despite Claudio’s pleas for her to agree to the terms to save his life.
Serving as a friar for the court, the Duke comes up with a plan to free Claudio, save Isabella’s dignity, and catch Angelo. Angelo was once betrothed to a woman named Mariana, but he broke off their contract when her dowry was lost at sea. The Duke tells Isabella to agree to Angelo’s proposal, but that night, Mariana would take her place and Angelo would be forced to marry Mariana and pardon Claudio. The plan works perfectly, but in the morning, Angelo does not pardon Claudio; instead, he asks his head be delivered to him after the execution. The Duke arranges for the head of another prisoner being executed that morning to be delivered to Angelo instead. The Duke also tells Isabella to make sure she brings her grievance to the Duke when he returns to the city from his trip.
The Duke, out of his friar disguise, arrives in the city and is greeted by Isabella who tells him everything about Angelo. Angelo denies the allegations and the Duke pretends to believe him, to the dismay of Isabella and Mariana. He sends for the friar and leaves the room, coming back in his disguise to defend the women. After Angelo accuses the friar of lying, the Duke reveals his true identity and orders Angelo to marry Mariana. He then reveals that Claudio is still alive, and orders him to marry Juliet. He saves his final marriage business for last, and proposes to Isabella.
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Try it for Free!Date Published: 1603
Genre: Comedy
Major Themes: Morality; Deceit; Power and Greed
Famous Quote: "Haste still pays haste, and leisure answers leisure; like doth quit like, and measure still for measure."
Check out all of our Shakespeare Resources
- Types of Shakespeare Plays
- Romeo and Juliet
- Macbeth
- Hamlet
- Othello
- Julius Caesar
- Richard III
- King Lear
- The Tempest
- Twelfth Night
- Sonnet 73
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Picture Encyclopedia of Shakespeare Plays
How Tos about Measure for Measure Summary
How To Create a Classroom Activity Using 'Measure for Measure' Picture Encyclopedia Content
Select key pictures or facts from the encyclopedia that highlight important themes or events in 'Measure for Measure'. This helps students focus on the most relevant information for learning.
Prepare discussion prompts for each selected picture
Write simple, open-ended questions that encourage students to think about what is happening in each image. Prompts like “What is happening here?” or “Why do you think this moment is important?” spark curiosity and discussion.
Organize students into small groups
Assign each group a different picture or fact to examine and discuss together. Small groups promote collaboration and give everyone a chance to share ideas.
Guide students to present their findings
Ask each group to share what they learned about their image or fact with the class. Presentations help students practice communication and reinforce understanding.
Wrap up with a creative extension activity
Invite students to draw, write, or act out scenes inspired by the pictures and facts they discussed. This allows for deeper engagement and helps students connect personally with the content.
Frequently Asked Questions about Measure for Measure Summary
What is Measure for Measure about?
Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare that explores themes of justice, morality, and mercy. The story follows the Duke of Vienna as he temporarily leaves his city in the hands of Angelo, who enforces strict laws with harsh punishments, leading to dilemmas about fairness and forgiveness.
Who are the main characters in Measure for Measure?
The main characters in Measure for Measure include the Duke of Vienna, Angelo, Isabella, Claudio, and Escalus. Each plays a key role in the play's conflicts about law, ethics, and authority.
What is the main theme of Measure for Measure?
The central theme of Measure for Measure is the balance between justice and mercy. The play questions how laws should be enforced and whether compassion should influence judgment.
Why is Measure for Measure considered a problem play?
Measure for Measure is called a 'problem play' because it blends elements of comedy and tragedy, and raises difficult moral questions without giving clear answers. Its tone and ending challenge traditional categories in Shakespeare's works.
How can teachers use Measure for Measure in the classroom?
Teachers can use Measure for Measure to spark discussions about ethics, justice, and leadership. Activities might include role-playing scenes, debating decisions made by characters, or exploring how the play's themes relate to current events.
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