Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘In Measure for Measure, the trust between men and women is completely broken.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents relationships between men and women in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘An audience can only be appalled by Angelo’s abuses of power in leadership and love.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents Angelo in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘In Measure for Measure, the Duke’s strategy is cruel and manipulative. He achieves justice but at the expense of love and compassion.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents the Duke in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘The function of this group of characters is simply to provide crude comedy. They do not add to the serious debate about love in the play.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents the citizens of Vienna in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘The way in which Viennese law equates sex and love with sin causes the audience to lose all respect for those in authority.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents sexual morality in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘In Measure for Measure, marriage is seen as a punishment and a means of control rather than as a celebration and a reward.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents ideas about marriage in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘In the literature of love, deception and trickery often demean and devalue relationships that should be based on honesty.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents the collaboration between Isabella and the Duke in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘In Measure for Measure Isabella does little to sustain her relationship with her brother.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents the relationship between Isabella and Claudio in this extract and elsewhere in the play.

Measure for Measure – William Shakespeare

‘The literature of love tends to present women as selfless and compassionate.’

In the light of this view, discuss how Shakespeare presents women in this extract and elsewhere in the play.