3 Minute Shakespeare: Measure for Measure

Summary

In this intricate tale of deception and moral dilemmas, Duke Vincentio of Vienna disguises himself as a monk to assess his deputy Angelo's governance. Angelo, known for his strictness, enforces the law harshly and sentences Claudio to death for impregnating his fiancée, Julietta. Claudio's sister Isabella, a novice nun, pleads for mercy, leading to a shocking proposition from Angelo: her chastity for her brother's life. The disguised Duke intervenes, suggesting a ruse involving Angelo's former fiancée Mariana. Despite Angelo's treachery, the Duke orchestrates a complex plan to save Claudio, expose Angelo, and restore justice. The play concludes with a twist, leaving the audience pondering Isabella's fate and the Duke's intentions.

Takeaways

• 👑 Duke Vincentio leaves Angelo in charge of Vienna: The Duke leaves his deputy Angelo to govern Vienna while he disguises himself as a monk to observe the city's affairs.
• 🎭 Duke's undercover operation: Vincentio's disguise allows him to test Angelo's abilities and understand the lives of his subjects.
• 🚫 Strict law enforcement by Angelo: Angelo enforces the law strictly, deciding to make an example of Claudio for impregnating his fiancée, Julietta.
• 😔 Claudio's sentence: Claudio is sentenced to death for breaking the law, which prompts his sister Isabella to intervene.
• 🙏 Isabella's plea: Isabella, who is about to become a nun, pleads with Angelo to spare her brother's life.
• 🤔 Angelo's temptation: Initially stern, Angelo is tempted by Isabella's virtue and later proposes a sinful bargain for Claudio's freedom.
• 😡 Isabella's refusal: Isabella is horrified by Angelo's offer, valuing her chastity over her brother's life.
• 😤 Claudio's selfishness: Claudio is upset by his sister's decision, showing a lack of understanding of the moral dilemma she faces.
• 🧙 Duke's intervention: The disguised Duke overhears the conflict and proposes a plan involving Mariana, Angelo's former fiancée.
• ⚔️ Angelo's betrayal: Despite believing he has compromised with Isabella, Angelo still orders Claudio's execution.
• 💀 Duke's deception: The Duke instructs the Provost to send a decoy head, that of a pirate, to Angelo to fake Claudio's execution.
• 🏙️ Duke's return: Vincentio returns to the city, revealing his true identity and the truth about the events that transpired.
• 🤝 Resolutions and marriages: Angelo is forced to marry Mariana, Claudio is reunited with Julietta and their child, and the Duke proposes to Isabella.
• 🤔 Ambiguous ending: The play concludes with an open question about whether Isabella accepts the Duke's marriage proposal, leaving the audience to ponder.

Q & A

Who is the ruler of Vienna in the beginning of the play?

Duke Vincentio is the ruler of Vienna at the beginning of the play.

Why does Duke Vincentio disguise himself as a monk?

Duke Vincentio disguises himself as a monk to learn more about the lives of his people and to test the abilities of his deputy, Angelo.

What is Angelo's approach to enforcing the law after Duke Vincentio leaves?

Angelo enforces the law strictly, choosing to make an example of Claudio to rectify the lax enforcement under Duke Vincentio.

Why is Claudio sentenced to death by Angelo?

Claudio is sentenced to death by Angelo for getting his fiancée, Julietta, pregnant, which was against the law.

What is Isabella's initial goal when she enters the sisterhood of St. Clare's?

Isabella's initial goal is to take her vows as a nun and join the sisterhood of St. Clare's.

What does Angelo offer Isabella in exchange for sparing Claudio's life?

Angelo offers to spare Claudio's life if Isabella agrees to give up her virginity.

How does Isabella respond to Angelo's proposition?

Isabella is mortified by Angelo's proposition and decides that her chastity is more important than her brother's life.

What is the Duke's plan to save Claudio without compromising Isabella's virtue?

The Duke proposes that Isabella pretend to agree to Angelo's demands, but instead, send Mariana, Angelo's ex-fiancée, to deceive Angelo in the dark.

How does the Duke ensure that Angelo believes Claudio is executed?

The Duke orders the jailer to send the head of a pirate to Angelo as proof of Claudio's death, hoping Angelo won't notice the difference.

What revelation does the Duke make upon his return to the city?

The Duke reveals that he had been disguised as a monk all along and that Claudio is actually alive.

What does the Duke arrange for Angelo, Mariana, Claudio, and Isabella at the end of the play?

The Duke arranges for Angelo to marry Mariana, reunites Claudio with Isabella and Julietta along with their new baby, and proposes marriage to Isabella twice.

How does the play end?

The play ends with silence, leaving the audience without clarity on whether or not Isabella accepts the Duke's marriage proposal.