Measure for measure (quotes)

1. Power and Authority: Explore the theme of power and authority in "Measure for Measure." How
do characters like Angelo and the Duke wield their power? What commentary does Shakespeare offer
on the abuse of authority?
2. Morality and Justice: Discuss the presentation of morality and justice in the play. How do
characters' actions and decisions reflect their moral values? Analyze the portrayal of justice in the
context of the play's moral ambiguities.
3. Gender Roles and Identity: Examine the portrayal of gender roles and identity in "Measure for
Measure." How does Isabella challenge traditional notions of femininity? Consider the impact of
disguise and role reversal on the characters' identities.
4. Conflict between Law and Mercy: Analyze the tension between law and mercy in the play. How do
characters like Angelo and the Duke embody these conflicting values? Discuss Shakespeare's
exploration of the complexities surrounding punishment and forgiveness.
5. Hypocrisy and Deception: Explore the theme of hypocrisy and deception in "Measure for
Measure." How do characters like Lucio and Angelo engage in hypocrisy? Examine the consequences
of deception and its role in the unfolding of the plot.
6. Social Class and Corruption: Discuss the representation of social class and corruption in the play.
How do characters from different social backgrounds interact, and how does this impact the themes of
justice and morality?
7. Isabella's Dilemma:
Analyze Isabella's moral dilemma and her role as a central character. How does her decision to save her
brother challenge the audience's perception of her character? Discuss her internal conflict and its
significance.
8. Angelo's Transformation: Trace the transformation of Angelo from a strict enforcer of the law to a
morally conflicted character. What events lead to his change, and how does his downfall contribute to
the play's themes?
9. The Duke's Manipulation: Examine the Duke's manipulation of events throughout the play. How
does his hidden agenda affect the other characters and the outcome of the story? Consider the
implications of his actions.
10. Themes of Sin and Redemption: Discuss the themes of sin and redemption in "Measure for
Measure." How do characters grapple with their past mistakes, and what opportunities for redemption
are presented? Analyze the role of forgiveness in the play.
Remember, these essay questions are meant to inspire your critical thinking and analysis. When
approaching these topics, be sure to provide textual evidence, engage with literary techniques, and offer
well-structured arguments that reflect your understanding of the play's complexities.
Measure for Measure" was written by William Shakespeare between 1603 and 1604, during the
Jacobean period in England. Understanding the historical context of the play can provide insights into
the themes, characters, and societal influences that shaped its creation. Here are some key aspects of
the historical context of "Measure for Measure":
1. Jacobean Era: The play was written during the reign of King James I of England (1603-1625),
following the death of Queen Elizabeth I. The Jacobean era marked a transition from the
Elizabethan period, and it was characterized by its own cultural, political, and religious
dynamics.
2. Puritan Influence: The early Jacobean period saw the rise of Puritanism, a religious movement
that emphasized strict morality and condemned moral laxity. This context is relevant to the
play's exploration of morality, virtue, and the tension between strict laws and human frailty.
3. Moral and Social Concerns: The Jacobean era was a time of moral and social debates, with
concerns about the influence of corruption, vice, and moral decay in society. These concerns are
reflected in the play's examination of the consequences of power, hypocrisy, and justice.
4. Vienna as London: Though "Measure for Measure" is set in Vienna, many scholars believe that
the play's Vienna serves as an allegory for London. This allows Shakespeare to discuss sensitive
political and social issues of his time under the guise of a foreign setting.
5. Royal Authority and Governance: King James I's reign was marked by discussions about the
divine right of kings, the limits of royal authority, and the balance of power between monarchs
and parliament. The play's themes of authority, governance, and the use and abuse of power
could resonate with the political debates of the time.
6. Public Morality and Law Enforcement: The play's exploration of moral dilemmas, law
enforcement, and the tensions between justice and mercy align with the broader discussions
about morality, punishment, and societal order during the Jacobean era.
7. Literary and Cultural Influences: Shakespeare was influenced by various literary sources,
including historical chronicles and Italian plays. These influences are interwoven with the
historical context to create a complex and layered narrative.
8. Performing Arts and Theatre: Theatre during the Jacobean era was a popular form of
entertainment, and plays were performed for a diverse audience. "Measure for Measure" was
written for the stage, with its themes and characters meant to engage and entertain the audience.
Considering these historical aspects can provide a deeper understanding of the motivations behind the
characters' actions, the exploration of moral dilemmas, and the societal concerns that Shakespeare
addresses in "Measure for Measure." It's important to approach the play with an awareness of the
cultural, political, and religious influences of its time.
Isabella’s speech in Act 2, Scene 4 stood out at that moment: after being told that she
must have sex with Angelo in order to save her brother’s life, Isabella asks the audience,
“To whom should I complain? Did I tell this / Who would believe me?”
The line was striking for its seeming contemporaneity: despite the fact that they were written four
hundred years ago, it was no leap to imagine Sulkowicz and countless other women
speaking the same words in the present.

to remember
-first statements of each characters

is prostitution agood or a bad thing? If a good thing, is angelo’s actio justified? He asked to spend one
night with isabella in exchange of her brother. However, considering isabella request for her brothers
pardon which she believes to be a wrong act, maybe angelos request cannot be considered ethical. If it
has to be, both are questionable in that particular manner. Maybe their request if measured is equal in
nature. The problem arises when angelo does not fulfill his promise to let claudio go.
Maybe isabella is not too right after all.

But if prostitution is a bad thing, angelo’s law enforcement is much needed. Or is it taking away a
womens option to her livelyhood. Their oppurtunity to be independent without leaning towards a man.
Removing prostitution could be a good thing if a counter act was thought of. Maybe shakespeare forgot
to take that into account or simply believed that it was not a neccesity. Maybe men were the problem?
How well does measure for measure portray the status of women in the society? Does it manage the
main problem of the status of women towards the end? It doesnot seem to as isabella is not provide
with anything more than a wedding proposal.
But dignifying prostitution as work does’nt dignify the women, it simply dignifies the sex industry

prostitution was most likely a bad thing that should have been criminalized considering the context of
1600’s.
Maybe angelo’s negotiation with isabella was not so wrong as the request made by isabella was not
right which she herself recognizes.(i should not plead for it but I am….smth along the lines.)

jacobean play
settings=vienna,london and the place that it is read at
*extramaritial sex and premaritial sex
interpretations
1. the duke as a playwright? Because he directed the disguise of isabella, the unmasking...he lead
the whole play. The duke was not so powerful cuz of bardanine
2. metatheritical play?
3. The duke as king james. Evidence= I do not like to pose my self in front of people or smth…
feministic views on mariana, isabella and julietta___( known as agency?)
marriage ceremony were in spoken version —spousal
women sex and money
tilte derived form mathhews..judge yeto not be judged...snth
god is disguised on earth, punishes sinners and forgives them=the duke

meausure for measure is often charecterized as a problem play by critics because of the unclear
distictinction between tragedy and comedy. It is a play written by shakespeare during 1603 and is
considered to be a play docked of its natural ending. Shakspeare makes an attempt through measure for
measure to discuss the role of religion in the day to day life as well as various other factors like politics,
women, prostitution and many more. It may as well not be dramatic to say that religion is the leading
force for the commencement of the whole plot. Analyse this and give tips to improve it with a
improved version.