Measure for Measure Summary & Key Insights

Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, edited by Mowat and Werstine, presents a complex and morally ambiguous drama set in Vienna. The play revolves around the newly appointed Deputy, Angelo, who is tasked by the absent Duke Vincentio to restore order and enforce strict adherence to the law, particularly concerning fornication. Angelo, a seemingly pious and austere figure, immediately begins a harsh crackdown, demonstrating a hypocrisy that forms a central theme of the play.

The main plot centers on Claudio, a young gentleman who is sentenced to death for impregnating Juliet before marriage. His sister, Isabella, a devout novice nun, pleads for his life with Angelo. Angelo, secretly lustful, offers a proposition: he will spare Claudio’s life if Isabella submits to him sexually. This shocking proposal highlights the play’s exploration of power dynamics and the corrupting influence of authority. Isabella faces a devastating dilemma, torn between her brother's life and her own chastity.

The subplot, interwoven with the main plot, involves the Duke's clever disguise. Feigning a departure, he secretly remains in Vienna, disguised as a friar, allowing him to observe and manipulate events. He orchestrates a series of schemes, including the substitution of Mariana (Angelo’s former fiancée, unjustly jilted) for Isabella in the illicit meeting with Angelo, and eventually exposes Angelo’s hypocrisy. The Duke's intervention, though manipulative, serves as a form of justice, ultimately revealing the flawed nature of strict legalism and the complexities of mercy.

Key characters beyond the aforementioned are Lucio, a cynical and gossipy character who provides comic relief while also furthering the plot and highlighting social hypocrisy; Escalus, a more reasonable and just judge who serves as a foil to Angelo’s harshness; and Pompey, a bawd who represents the underbelly of Viennese society.

The overarching themes in Measure for Measure are multifaceted. The play grapples with justice versus mercy, exploring the dangers of rigid legalism and the complexities of forgiveness. It questions the nature of virtue and hypocrisy, revealing how outward piety can mask inner corruption. Furthermore, the play examines sexual morality and societal hypocrisy regarding sexual conduct, presenting various perspectives on chastity, lust, and the double standards imposed upon men and women. Finally, the play explores the use of deception and disguise as tools for both manipulation and justice, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The ambiguous ending, leaving the audience to ponder the true nature of justice and the consequences of actions, solidifies the play's enduring relevance and enduring capacity to spark debate.