Measure For Measure

Measure for Measure is a play written by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604. The play is a tragicomedy which means that it has elements of both tragedy and comedy. The play is set in Vienna and tells the story of Duke Vincentio who decides to leave the city and appoints Angelo to be his deputy. Angelo is a strict and uncompromising man who decides to enforce the citys laws against fornication and adultery with great zeal. One of the people affected by Angelos strict enforcement of the law is Claudio who has impregnated his fiancée Juliet before they are married. Claudio is arrested and sentenced to death for his crime. Claudios sister Isabella a novice nun goes to Angelo to plead for her brothers life but Angelo offers to spare Claudios life in exchange for Isabellas virginity. Isabella refuses Angelos offer and instead goes to the Duke who has disguised himself as a friar to observe the events in the city. The Duke helps Isabella to expose Angelos corruption and save Claudios life. The play ends with the Duke revealing his true identity pardoning Angelo and arranging for the marriages of the various couples in the play.