Measure for Measure · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
Chapter 1
Act I
Measure for Measure — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 2
Scene I
The Duke of Vienna, preparing to leave the city, appoints Lord Angelo as his deputy and grants him full authority to enforce the laws. Escalus is made secondary. Angelo hesitates but accepts the commission. The Duke departs privately, expressing his dislike for public acclaim.
Chapter 3
Scene II
Lucio and two gentlemen jest about war and morality before Mistress Overdone reports Claudio's arrest for impregnating Julietta. Claudio explains to Lucio that he is condemned under long-dormant fornication laws newly enforced by Deputy Angelo, and asks Lucio to seek help from his sister Isabella, who is about to enter a convent. Meanwhile, Pompey informs Mistress Overdone that all suburban brothels are to be demolished under a new proclamation.
Chapter 4
Scene III
The Duke reveals to Friar Thomas his plan to disguise himself as a friar and observe Vienna while Lord Angelo enforces strict laws that have long been neglected, hoping to see if power changes a seemingly virtuous man.
Chapter 5
Scene IV
Isabella, a novice at a nunnery, is visited by Lucio, who informs her that her brother Claudio has been arrested and sentenced to death by Lord Angelo for impregnating Juliet. Lucio urges Isabella to plead with Angelo for her brother's life, and she agrees to do so.
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