Measure for Measure · Chapter
Scene I explained
The Duke of Vienna, preparing to leave the city, appoints Lord Angelo as his deputy and grants him full authority to enforce the laws.
What happens
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because the Duke, now in his own habit, shifts from passive observer to acti…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Power and Authority
The Duke delegates his authority to Angelo, highlighting the transfer and nature of political power.
- Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
The Duke's private departure and his comments on public acclaim hint at a discrepancy between appearance and true intent.
Characters to notice
- Duke Vincentio
Appoints Angelo as his deputy and prepares to leave Vienna.
- Escalus
Receives the Duke's commission as secondary to Angelo.
- Lord Angelo
Appointed deputy ruler of Vienna; expresses hesitation but accepts.
Key passages
“Mortality and mercy in Vienna Live in thy tongue and heart”
You have the power of life and death and the ability to show mercy in Vienna.
The Duke grants Angelo full judicial authority.
“I love the people, But do not like to stage me to their eyes”
I care for the people but dislike being the center of public attention.
The Duke explains his preference for a private departure.
