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Introduction
If you’re a literature enthusiast or a student looking for a summary of one of Shakespeare’s famous works, you’ve come to the right place. Measure for Measure is a play that has intrigued and captivated audiences for centuries, and in this article, we’ll be exploring its themes, characters, and plot. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s delve into the world of Measure for Measure.
Overview
Measure for Measure is a play that was written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600s. It is a tragicomedy that explores themes of justice, morality, and power. The play is set in Vienna, where Duke Vincentio has left the city in the hands of Angelo, a strict and uncompromising man who is tasked with enforcing the laws of the city.
Plot Summary
The play begins with the Duke announcing that he will be leaving the city and putting Angelo in charge. However, the Duke disguises himself as a friar and remains in the city to observe Angelo’s actions.
Angelo, who is known for his strict adherence to the law, decides to enforce an old law that condemns fornication to death. Claudio, a young man who has impregnated his girlfriend Juliet, is arrested and sentenced to death. His sister Isabella, a novice nun, pleads with Angelo to spare her brother’s life. Angelo, who is attracted to Isabella, offers to spare Claudio’s life in exchange for her virginity.
Isabella is appalled by Angelo’s proposition and refuses. She goes to Claudio and tells him about Angelo’s offer, and Claudio begs her to accept it so that he can live. Isabella is torn between her duty to her brother and her religious beliefs.
The Duke, disguised as a friar, intervenes and comes up with a plan to expose Angelo’s hypocrisy. He arranges for Mariana, a woman who was once engaged to Angelo but was abandoned by him, to take Isabella’s place in Angelo’s bed. The plan works, and Angelo is exposed.
The play ends with the Duke revealing himself and pardoning everyone. Angelo is forced to marry Mariana, and Claudio and Juliet are reunited.
Characters
Measure for Measure has a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personality and motivations. Here are some of the main characters:
Duke Vincentio:
The Duke is the ruler of Vienna who decides to leave the city and put Angelo in charge. He disguises himself as a friar and observes the actions of the other characters.
Angelo:
Angelo is a strict and uncompromising man who is put in charge of Vienna. He is known for his adherence to the law and his moral rectitude.
Isabella:
Isabella is a novice nun who pleads with Angelo to spare her brother’s life. She is torn between her duty to her brother and her religious beliefs.
Claudio:
Claudio is a young man who is sentenced to death for impregnating his girlfriend Juliet. He begs his sister Isabella to accept Angelo’s offer so that he can live.
Mariana:
Mariana is a woman who was once engaged to Angelo but was abandoned by him. She takes Isabella’s place in Angelo’s bed as part of the Duke’s plan to expose his hypocrisy.
Themes
Measure for Measure is a play that explores a variety of themes that are still relevant today. Some of the main themes include:
Justice:
The play questions whether justice can be achieved through strict adherence to the law, or if compassion and mercy should also be considered.
Morality:
The play explores the idea of morality and whether it is subjective or objective. It also questions whether those who enforce morality are themselves moral.
Power:
The play examines the corrupting influence of power and the lengths that people will go to maintain it.
Conclusion
Measure for Measure is a play that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences today. Its themes of justice, morality, and power are still relevant in our society, and its characters are complex and nuanced. We hope that this summary has given you a better understanding of the play and its importance in the world of literature.