Measure for Measure
Measure for Measure Author: William Shakespeare
First Performance: c.1603–4, London
Published: 1623
Genre: Drama in 5 acts; blank verse and prose
Setting: Vienna, Renaissance period
Cast: 17m, 5f, extras
Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, is alarmed at the immorality in his state, and resolves to reintroduce an ancient law that punishes sexual misdemeanours with death. However, he leaves the implementation of this law to Angelo, while he conceals himself in a monastery. The first victim of the law is Claudio, who has made his bride pregnant. Claudio's sister, Isabella, who is about to become a nun, pleads with Angelo for Claudio's life. Angelo, lusting after Isabella, offers to spare Claudio if she will sleep with him. Isabella indignantly refuses, even when Claudio begs her to agree. The disguised...
[The entire page is 364 words long]
Join eNotes
The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:
eNotes Pass
