Measure for Measure

Synopsis

When Claudio breaks the new laws against vice in Vienna by getting his financee, Julietta, pregnant, a series of ethical issues is brought under scrutiny. His sister's virtue is held to ransom by the deputy rule of the city until justice is done, mercy shown, and order restored. This is among Shakespeare's most vivid dramatic projections of moral duplicity. The introduction discusses the origins of his treatment of the well-known story and examines his sources. The editor also sets the play in its historical context and offers the most comprehensive available account of the text's theatrical life from Restoration adaptations to present-day productions. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1

Summary:
Duke Vincentio appoints Angelo as his temporary deputy and leaves disguised as a friar to observe his rule. Angelo immediately enforces strict morality laws, including the death penalty for fornication. Claudio is arrested for impregnating Juliet out of wedlock. His sister, Isabella, a novice nun, pleads with Angelo for mercy.

Example:
Angelo's stern enforcement of laws: "We must not make a scarecrow of the law, setting it up to fear the birds of prey, and let it keep one shape till custom make it their perch, and not their terror."

Chapter 2

Summary:
Isabella confronts Angelo and implores him to reconsider Claudio's sentence. Angelo offers her an immoral proposition: her brother's life in exchange for her virginity. Isabella refuses, horrified at his demand.

Example:
Angelo's proposition to Isabella: "Measure for Measure we must have: either your brother or another must die. The nature of our crimes is such... that only one of them can live."

Chapter 3

Summary:
Disguised as Friar Lodowick, Vincentio meets Claudio in prison and offers a plan to save his life. Claudio will pretend to consent to Angelo's proposition, and Vincentio will substitute another woman, Mariana, who has been wronged by Angelo in the past.

Example:
Vincentio's plan to outwit Angelo: "If you will consent to what I suggest, your sister will not be compelled to live with Angelo, and your own life will be saved."

Chapter 4

Summary:
Angelo agrees to the substitution, and Mariana, disguised as Isabella, enters his bed. Vincentio reveals Angelo's true nature to the provost and a group of lords. Angelo is arrested, and Isabella withdraws from the convent to await the outcome.

Example:
Mariana's substitution for Isabella: "Here, before heaven, I ratify this my rich gift. Crawford is now my brother's wife, and his prison our possession."

Chapter 5

Summary:
Vincentio returns, exposing Angelo's corruption and announcing Claudio's release. Angelo is sentenced to death, but Vincentio offers him mercy on the condition that he marries Mariana. The duke also reveals that Claudio's death was a hoax, and he arranges for Lucio to be punished for his slanderous tongue.

Example:
Vincentio's judgment on Angelo: "For thee, Angelo, thy faults are not unknown. Yet since thou hast delivered thy seat to my mercy, I will not only forgive thee, but restore thee to thy dignity."