Measure for Measure: A play by William Shakespeare about themes including justice morality and mercy in Vienna and the dichotomy between corruption and purity

Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604. Originally published in the First Folio of 1623 where it was listed as a comedy the plays first recorded performance occurred in 1604. The plays main themes include justice morality and mercy in Vienna and the dichotomy between corruption and purity: some rise by sin and some by virtue fall. Mercy and virtue prevail as the play does not end tragically with virtues such as compassion and forgiveness being exercised at the end of the production. While the play focuses on justice overall the final scene illustrates that Shakespeare intended for moral justice to temper strict civil justice: a number of the characters receive understanding and leniency instead of the harsh punishment to which they according to the law could have been sentenced.Measure for Measure is often called one of Shakespeares problem plays. It continues to be classified as a comedy albeit a dark one though its tone may defy those expectations.SYNOPSISVincentio the Duke of Vienna makes it known that he intends to leave the city on a diplomatic mission. He leaves the government in the hands of a strict judge Angelo.In the next scene we find a group of soldiers on a Vienna street expressing their hopes in irreverent banter that a war with Hungary is afoot and that they will be able to take part. Mistress Overdone the operator of a brothel frequented by these same soldiers appears and tells them theres one yonder arrested and carried to prison was worth five thousand of you all. She tells them that it is Signor Claudio and that within these three days his head to be chopped off as punishment for getting Madam Julietta with child. Lucio one of the soldiers who is later revealed to be Claudios friend is astonished at this news and rushes off. He then informs Mistress Overdone of Angelos new proclamation that All houses [of prostitution] in the suburbs of Vienna must be plucked down. CHARACTERSIsabella a novice and sister to Claudio Mariana betrothed to AngeloJuliet beloved of Claudio pregnant with his childFrancisca a nun.Mistress Overdone the manager of a thriving Viennese brothelVincentio The Duke who also appears disguised as Friar LodowickAngelo the Deputy who rules in the Dukes absenceEscalus an ancient lordClaudio a young gentleman brother to IsabellaPompey Bum a pimp who acquires customers for Mistress OverdoneLucio a fantastic a foppish young noblemanTwo gentlemen friends to LucioThe Provost who runs the prisonThomas and Peter two friarsElbow a simple constableFroth a foolish gentleman of fourscore pound a yearAbhorson an executionerBarnardine a dissolute prisonera Justice friend of EscalusVarrius (silent role) a friend of the Duke