Measure for Measure | William Shakespeare | Neb English Support Class 12

Neb English Support Class 12

Measure for Measure | William Shakespeare | Neb English Support Class 12

Measure for Measure

Table of Contents

SHORT SORYLINE

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

Angelo rules as a religious tyrant in Vienna. He tries to manipulate a nun into sleeping with him, but is prevented and ultimately punished.

SHORT SUMMARY

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

The Duke leaves Angelo in charge of Vienna, where he quickly sentences Claudio to death for his immoral behaviour. Angelo offers a chance of pardon to Claudio on the condition that his sister Isabella sleeps with him. Isabella agrees, but Angelo's fiancee has switched places with her. The Duke releases Claudio, punishes Angelo, and proposes to Isabella.

DETAILED SUMMARY

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

Act I

In his absence, Duke Vincentio of Vienna appoints Lord Angelo as his assistant to rule the city of Vienna. The city of Vienna has recently become loose in its moral behaviour. Angelo attempts to transform the city with his strict enforcement of laws against immorality. This results in imprisonment and a death sentence for Claudio, as his fiancee Julieta is pregnant. Lucio, a friend, takes this news to the convent, where Claudio's sister, Isabella, is about to become a nun. Isabella becomes fearful and immediately decides to ask Angelo for mercy for her brother's life.

Act II

Meanwhile, the Duke hasn't really left the city of Vienna. Instead, he has disguised himself as a friar and is trying to know how the people are reacting to Angelo's rule. He moves to the prison, where he tries to persuade Juliet that Claudio must die. Isabella approaches Angelo and begs for forgiveness. Angelo realises his powerful position and asks her to come back the next day after considering the matter. Upon her return, Angelo proposes that he will release her brother in exchange for sleeping with her. When she refuses and threatens to reveal his immoral intentions to all, he explains that no one will believe her words because of his status and reputation. He provides her with a day to decide before he kills Claudio.

Act III

Isabella's horror at the thought of being forced to sleep with Angelo leads her to prison. She tells Claudio about Angelo's advice. Claudio originally agrees with her decision, but then, under fear of death, requests that she go through with the act and save him (much to her dismay). During their conversation, they are overheard by the still-disguised Duke. The Duke informs them about Mariana, Angelo's former fiance, whom he rejected because her dowry was lost at sea. He suggests that Isabella should agree to a nightly meeting with Angelo, but Mariana should secretly take her place.

Act IV

Despite Angelo's agreement with Isabella, the governor of the prison gets instructions to execute Claudio. The Duke persuades the Provost to release Claudio. He suggests that, instead, he should kill Bernardine, a long-term prisoner. Angelo must be sent to the head to satisfy him. When Bernardine will not oblige, they decide to substitute the head of a recently dead prisoner, claiming it to be Claudio's head.

Act V

The next day, after Mariana has fulfilled her part of the bargain, the Duke informs Isabella that Claudio has been killed by Angelo.  Later, the "return" of the Duke from abroad is announced. Isabella and Mariana decide to accompany Lucio the next day to present their complaints to the duke. During the Duke's state entrance into the city, Isabella begs for justice. With Mariana's help, Isabella reveals Angelo's crime, and he is forced to accept Mariana as his wife. At the time of befriending Isabella, Lucio has frequently slandered the Duke unknowingly in his face. The Duke condemns him for marrying his illegitimate child's prostitute mother.

The Duke reveals his former disguised form. Claudio is brought and released from prison, revealed to be alive, pardoned, and restored to Juliet and Isabella. The play ends as the Duke proposes to Isabella to be his bride.

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