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Cover of Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure

Written by William Shakespeare

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Comedy playsSiblingsVienna (Austria)Chastity

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About this book

"Measure for Measure" by William Shakespeare is a play written during the early 17th century, typically classified as a comedy that explores themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human behavior. The work delves into the challenges faced by its characters, particularly focusing on the moral dilemmas experienced by Angelo, the strict deputy, and Isabella, the virtuous sister of Claudio, who is sentenced to death for a crime of passion. At the start of the play, we are introduced to the Duke of Vienna, who has decided to temporarily relinquish his authority and appoint Angelo as his deputy. The Duke's intention is to impose stricter enforcement of the laws that have been ignored for years. Angelo's first act is to arrest Claudio for having impregnated his fiancée, Julietta, leading to a death sentence. Isabella, Claudio's sister, learns of the situation and pleads for his life, navigating the moral landscape by confronting Angelo, who presents her an unthinkable choice: to save her brother, she must sacrifice her own virtue. This sets the stage for a complex interplay of power, morality, and human desires, revealing the intricate dynamics at work in Vienna.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Measure for Measure, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • dark
  • morally ambiguous
  • thought-provoking

William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" is a complex 'problem play' that delves into the intricacies of justice, mercy, and moral hypocrisy. Set in a morally corrupt Vienna, Duke Vincentio feigns absence, disguising himself as a friar to observe his deputy Angelo, who enforces dormant laws with draconian strictness. The plot ignites when Angelo condemns Claudio for fornication, leading Claudio's virtuous sister, Isabella, to plead for his life, only to face Angelo's shocking proposition of sexual blackmail. The Duke orchestrates a series of deceptions, including the 'bed-trick,' to expose Angelo's corruption and ultimately restore a nuanced form of order and justice. The play challenges audiences with its ambiguous resolutions and uncomfortable questions about power, virtue, and human nature.

“Hath Angelo seen? O, it is excellent / To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous / To use it like a giant.”

Key themes

Justice vs. Mercy
This is the central thematic conflict, explored through the tension between rigid adherence to the law (Angelo's initial stance) and compassionate clemency (Isabella's plea and the Duke's ultimate mediation). The play questions what constitutes true justice and whether law without mercy is tyranny.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The play vividly exposes the hypocrisy of those in power and the widespread moral corruption within society. Angelo, initially seen as virtuous, becomes the epitome of hypocrisy, while the city of Vienna itself is depicted as morally lax, populated by characters like Pompey and Mistress Overdone.
Power and Authority
The play scrutinizes the nature of governance, the responsibilities of those in authority, and the corrupting influence of unchecked power. The Duke's delegation of power and Angelo's subsequent actions demonstrate how authority can be wielded for both justice and personal gain.

Worth discussing

Is Duke Vincentio truly a just ruler, or is he a manipulative figure who abuses his power through disguise?

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