Measure for Measure · Chapter
Scene III explained
The Duke, still disguised as a friar, orchestrates the substitution of Ragozine's head for Claudio's to deceive Angelo.
What happens
The Duke, still disguised as a friar, orchestrates the substitution of Ragozine's head for Claudio's to deceive Angelo. He informs Isabella of Claudio's supposed execution and directs her to accuse Angelo publicly. Meanwhile, the comedic subplot involving Pompey, Abhorson, and the recalcitrant Barnardine unfolds, culminating in the provost's discovery of Ragozine's timely death, which enables the Duke's plan.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Deception and Manipulation
The Duke's elaborate scheme to substitute Ragozine's head for Claudio's and his manipulation of Isabella's emotions exemplify the theme of deception.
- Death and Mortality
The impending executions of Claudio and Barnardine, along with the casual mention of Ragozine's death, highlight the omnipresence of mortality.
- Power and Authority
The Duke's behind-the-scenes control over the justice system and Angelo's authority over life and death underscore the theme of power.
Characters to notice
- Duke Vincentio
Disguised as a friar, he orchestrates the head substitution and instructs Isabella to accuse Angelo.
- Isabella
Learns of Claudio's supposed death and is directed by the Duke to seek justice against Angelo.
- Lucio
Interrupts the Duke and Isabella, making crude remarks about the Duke and boasting of his own misdeeds.
- Pompey
Lists the prisoners in the jail and assists Abhorson in summoning Barnardine for execution.
- Barnardine
Refuses to be executed, claiming he is unprepared after a night of drinking.
- Provost
Reports Ragozine's death and collaborates with the Duke to substitute the head.
Key passages
“He hath released him, Isabel, from the world: His head is off and sent to Angelo.”
He has freed Claudio from life; his head has been cut off and sent to Angelo.
The Duke falsely informs Isabella of Claudio's execution to test her resolve.
“O, 'tis an accident that heaven provides!”
Oh, this is a fortunate coincidence sent by heaven!
The Duke rejoices at Ragozine's death, seeing it as a providential opportunity to substitute the head.
“I swear I will not die to-day for any man's persuasion.”
I swear I will not die today, no matter how anyone tries to convince me.
Barnardine stubbornly refuses to be executed, claiming he is not prepared.
