Measure for Measure · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare.
Chapter 1
Act I
Measure for Measure — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 2
Scene I
The Duke of Vienna, preparing to leave the city, appoints Lord Angelo as his deputy and grants him full authority to enforce the laws. Escalus is made secondary. Angelo hesitates but accepts the commission. The Duke departs privately, expressing his dislike for public acclaim.
Chapter 3
Scene II
Lucio and two gentlemen jest about war and morality before Mistress Overdone reports Claudio's arrest for impregnating Julietta. Claudio explains to Lucio that he is condemned under long-dormant fornication laws newly enforced by Deputy Angelo, and asks Lucio to seek help from his sister Isabella, who is about to enter a convent. Meanwhile, Pompey informs Mistress Overdone that all suburban brothels are to be demolished under a new proclamation.
Chapter 4
Scene III
The Duke reveals to Friar Thomas his plan to disguise himself as a friar and observe Vienna while Lord Angelo enforces strict laws that have long been neglected, hoping to see if power changes a seemingly virtuous man.
Chapter 5
Scene IV
Isabella, a novice at a nunnery, is visited by Lucio, who informs her that her brother Claudio has been arrested and sentenced to death by Lord Angelo for impregnating Juliet. Lucio urges Isabella to plead with Angelo for her brother's life, and she agrees to do so.
Chapter 6
Act II
Measure for Measure — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 7
Scene I
Angelo, acting as the Duke's deputy, orders Claudio's execution by morning to enforce the law against fornication. Escalus pleads for mercy but is overruled. The scene shifts to Elbow bringing Froth and Pompey before Angelo and Escalus for alleged bawdy behavior. Escalus dismisses the charges with warnings, reflecting on the severity of Angelo's judgment.
Chapter 8
Scene II
Isabella, accompanied by Lucio, pleads with Angelo for her brother Claudio's life. Angelo remains unmoved, insisting on the law, but is inwardly shaken by Isabella's virtue and begins to lust after her. After she leaves, Angelo soliloquizes on his temptation, recognizing that her purity has stirred a corrupt desire in him.
Chapter 9
Scene III
The Duke, disguised as a friar, visits the prison and speaks with the Provost. He encounters Juliet, who is pregnant by Claudio and repentant for her sin. The Duke counsels her on true repentance and learns that Claudio is to die tomorrow.
Chapter 10
Scene IV
Angelo, alone, confesses his lustful thoughts for Isabella. When she arrives to plead for her brother's life, Angelo proposes a vile condition: he will spare Claudio if Isabella yields her body to him. Isabella refuses, threatening to expose him, but Angelo dismisses her, confident in his reputation. Isabella resolves to tell Claudio and chooses to preserve her chastity even if it means her brother's death.
Chapter 11
Act III
Measure for Measure — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 12
Scene I
In the prison, the disguised Duke counsels Claudio to be absolute for death, then overhears Isabella's visit. Isabella reveals Angelo's vile condition to save Claudio's life. Claudio initially resolves to die but, terrified of death, begs Isabella to submit. She furiously rejects him. The Duke intervenes, revealing he knows Angelo's true nature and proposing the bed-trick with Mariana to save Claudio, preserve Isabella's honor, and expose Angelo.
Chapter 13
Scene II
The Duke, disguised as a friar, encounters Lucio, who slanders the Duke's character and criticizes Angelo's strict enforcement of morality. Lucio reveals Claudio's impending execution for impregnating Juliet. The Duke then observes Escalus sentencing Mistress Overdone and learns of Claudio's resignation to death. Alone, the Duke resolves to use a bed-trick with Angelo's former betrothed, Mariana, to expose Angelo's hypocrisy.
Chapter 14
Act IV
Measure for Measure — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 15
Scene I
In a moated grange, Mariana listens to a melancholy song before the Duke, disguised as a friar, arrives. Isabella then enters and reveals the details of her planned meeting with Angelo, including the keys and the location. The Duke introduces Mariana to Isabella, and they agree to the bed-trick, with Mariana taking Isabella's place. The Duke reassures them that the deceit is justified due to Mariana's pre-contract with Angelo.
Chapter 16
Scene II
In the prison, the Duke (disguised as a friar) orchestrates a plan to substitute Barnardine's head for Claudio's to thwart Angelo's execution order. The Provost is initially reluctant but is persuaded by the Duke's authority and the promise of the Duke's imminent return. Meanwhile, Pompey agrees to become the hangman's assistant, and the Provost receives a direct order from Angelo to execute Claudio by four o'clock. The Duke reveals Angelo's hypocrisy and devises the head substitution scheme.
Chapter 17
Scene III
The Duke, still disguised as a friar, orchestrates the substitution of Ragozine's head for Claudio's to deceive Angelo. He informs Isabella of Claudio's supposed execution and directs her to accuse Angelo publicly. Meanwhile, the comedic subplot involving Pompey, Abhorson, and the recalcitrant Barnardine unfolds, culminating in the provost's discovery of Ragozine's timely death, which enables the Duke's plan.
Chapter 18
Scene IV
Angelo and Escalus discuss the Duke's erratic letters and plans for his return. After Escalus leaves, Angelo soliloquizes about his guilt over Isabella, fearing exposure but rationalizing his actions, and expressing regret over Claudio's fate.
Chapter 19
Scene V
The Duke, now in his own habit, gives letters to Friar Peter and instructs him on the plan. He sends Friar Peter to summon Flavius and others to bring trumpets to the gate. Varrius arrives and the Duke greets him, indicating more friends will join them.
Chapter 20
Scene VI
Isabella and Mariana prepare to publicly accuse Angelo, guided by Friar Peter, as the Duke returns to Vienna.
Chapter 21
Act V
Measure for Measure — Stage Lens: dramatic beats, line helps that follow your scroll, and stage picture. Read to understand, not to collect a closed thesis.
Chapter 22
Scene I
The Duke returns to Vienna in his own guise and presides over a public hearing. Isabella accuses Angelo of hypocrisy, adultery, and murder, but the Duke feigns disbelief. Mariana then reveals herself and confirms that she slept with Angelo in Isabella's place, holding a pre-contract of marriage. Angelo confesses to knowing Mariana but denies the recent encounter. The Duke pretends to leave, appointing Escalus and Angelo to investigate, while secretly planning to reveal all.
