Measure for Measure · Chapter
Scene II explained
Lucio and two gentlemen jest about war and morality before Mistress Overdone reports Claudio's arrest for impregnating Julietta.
What happens
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.
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
- Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Lucio and the gentlemen joke about piety and sin, while Claudio criticizes Angelo's selective enforcement of laws that had been ignored for nineteen years.
- Power and Authority
Claudio reflects on the 'demigod Authority' and how the new deputy uses his power to enforce neglected statutes.
- Sexuality and Morality
Claudio's arrest for lechery and the brothel closures highlight Vienna's crackdown on sexual vice.
Characters to notice
- Lucio
Jests with gentlemen, learns of Claudio's arrest, and agrees to inform Isabella of her brother's plight.
- Claudio
Arrested and led to prison; explains his 'true contract' with Julietta and the harsh enforcement of old laws by Angelo.
- Mistress Overdone
Hears of Claudio's arrest and the proclamation to demolish suburban brothels, lamenting the change in Vienna.
- Pompey
Brings news of the proclamation and reassures Mistress Overdone that her trade will continue despite the closures.
- Juliet
Present with Claudio as he is taken to prison, identified as the woman he impregnated.
- Provost
Escorts Claudio to prison under Lord Angelo's orders.
Key passages
“Thus can the demigod Authority Make us pay down for our offence by weight The words of heaven; on whom it will, it will; On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.”
Authority, like a god, can punish us heavily for our sins, choosing some and sparing others, but we must accept it as just.
Claudio laments the arbitrary power of Angelo's enforcement.
“The stealth of our most mutual entertainment With character too gross is writ on Juliet.”
The secret of our mutual pleasure is all too plainly visible on Juliet's body.
Claudio explains that Juliet's pregnancy reveals their relationship.
“All houses in the suburbs of Vienna must be plucked down.”
All brothels located in the outskirts of Vienna are to be demolished.
Pompey reports the new proclamation targeting vice establishments.
