Measure for Measure

“Measure for Measure” is one of darkest of Shakespeare's comedies. Written in about 1603 and first performed in 1604, it immediately preceded the composition of the major tragedies “Othello”, “King Lear”, and “Macbeth”.

Duke Vincentino, the ruler of Vienna, fears that under his mild sovereignty, the people may have become lazy and lax. He decides to "go over cover" in the disguise of a monk and appoint his deputy, Angelo, who is a reputed paragon of virtue, as temporary ruler.

On assuming power, Angelo inaugurates draconian provisions regarding sexual propriety. One of the first victims of this new regime is young Claudio, who has impregnated his lover Juliet, and is accordingly sentenced to death.

Claudio's sister, Isabella, who is preparing to enter religious life, is encouraged to approach Angelo and plead for her brother's life. Angelo is immediately smitten with the beautiful Isabella and makes her an offer: her brother will be spared if she yields to Angelo's sexual advances. Isabella indignantly rejects this proposal, but finds herself unable to reveal Angelo's hypocrisy publicly, as she fears her accusations will lack credence.

Fortunately, the Duke, who has not left Vienna, befriends Isabella in his assumed role of friar, and hatches a plan to both save Claudio and to unmask Angelo.