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    Measure for Measure

    comedy

    Measure for Measure is one of Shakespeare’s darkest comedies, often called a problem play. The Duke of Vienna pretends to leave the city and hands power to his strict deputy, Angelo, then secretly stays behind disguised as a friar to watch what he does. Angelo quickly abuses that power, telling a young nun, Isabella, he will spare her condemned brother only if she sleeps with him. The disguised Duke watches it all unfold and steps in to turn the trap back on Angelo.

    ▸SCENE I. An apartment in the DUKE'S palace.▸SCENE II. A Street.▸SCENE III. A monastery.▸SCENE IV. A nunnery.

    ▸SCENE I. A hall In ANGELO's house.▸SCENE II. Another room in the same.▸SCENE III. A room in a prison.▸SCENE IV. A room in ANGELO's house.

    ▸SCENE I. A room in the prison.▸SCENE II. The street before the prison.

    ▸SCENE I. The moated grange at ST. LUKE's.▸SCENE II. A room in the prison.▸SCENE III. Another room in the same.▸SCENE IV. A room in ANGELO's house.▸SCENE V. Fields without the town.▸SCENE VI. Street near the city gate.

    ▸SCENE I. The city gate.

    Characters

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    AngeloDeputy ruler of ViennaIsabellaNovice nun, sister of ClaudioDuke VincentioDuke of Vienna, disguised as Friar LodowickClaudioYoung Viennese gentleman condemned to death

    Famous Quotes

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    “Our doubts are traitors And make us lose the good we oft might win By fearing to attempt.”

    Lucio — Act 1, Scene 4

    “But man, proud man, Drest in a little brief authority, Most ignorant of what he's most assured.”

    Isabella — Act 2, Scene 2

    “O, it is excellent To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant.”

    Isabella — Act 2, Scene 2

    Further Reading

    Best Lines by Shakespeare: Quotes on Life, Love and More

    A curated collection of Shakespeare's most famous lines, organised by theme, from love and loss to daily wisdom, sport and celebration. Each quote includes the play it comes from and why it still resonates.

    Who Was William Shakespeare? A Complete Life and Biography

    The life of Shakespeare: born in Stratford 1564, the Globe, his death in 1616, and the First Folio. The facts, checked.

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