Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare (Key Facts)

 

Measure for Measure

by William Shakespeare

(Key Facts) 

- Full Title: Measure for Measure

- Author: William Shakespeare

- Type of Work: Play

- Genre: Comedy (with elements of drama and political philosophy)

- Language: English

- Time and Place Written: Likely written in 1603-1604; set in Vienna, Austria

- Date of First Publication: First published in the First Folio in 1623

- Publisher: William Shakespeare's First Folio was published by Edward Blount and William Jaggard

 

- Tone: The tone of the play is complex, blending dark and serious themes with comedic elements. It oscillates between the grim realities of justice and morality and the light-heartedness of romantic and comedic situations.

 

- Setting (Time): The play is set in an unspecified time period that reflects the early 17th century, though the action is not tied to a specific historical period.

 

- Setting (Place): The play is set in Vienna, Austria, which serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama and the examination of justice and morality.

 

- Protagonist: The protagonist is Isabella, a novice nun who becomes embroiled in a moral and legal struggle.

 

- Major Conflict: The central conflict revolves around the ethical dilemma faced by Isabella as she confronts the corrupt and authoritarian Deputy Angelo, who demands a sexual favor from her in exchange for her brother’s life.

 

- Rising Action: The rising action includes Isabella's plea to Angelo to spare her brother Claudio, Angelo's immoral proposition, and Isabella’s decision to reveal the truth about Angelo’s corruption to the Duke (who is in disguise).

 

- Climax: The climax occurs when the Duke, who has been disguised as a friar, exposes Angelo’s hypocrisy and corruption, leading to a resolution of the conflicts involving justice and morality.

 

- Falling Action: The falling action consists of the resolution of the characters' fates, including the reformation of Angelo, the reveal of the Duke’s identity, and the resolution of the romantic entanglements.

 

- Themes:

  - Justice and Mercy: The play explores the balance between strict adherence to the law and the need for mercy.

  - Hypocrisy and Corruption: It addresses the disparity between public morality and private vice.

  - Sex and Morality: It examines issues of sexual ethics and moral integrity.

 

- Motifs:

  - Disguise and Deception: Characters frequently use disguise and deception to navigate and manipulate the situations around them.

  - Power and Authority: The play scrutinizes how power is wielded and abused by those in positions of authority.

 

- Symbols:

  - The Law: Represents both justice and oppression, symbolizing the moral rigidity of society.

  - The Bed: Symbolizes sexual temptation and moral compromise.

 

- Foreshadowing: The Duke’s mysterious departure and disguise as a friar foreshadow his eventual intervention and the unmasking of corruption.