# Scene I explained — Measure for Measure

> Chapter companion for Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Authority

The Duke delegates his authority to Angelo, highlighting the transfer and nature of political power.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

The Duke's private departure and his comments on public acclaim hint at a discrepancy between appearance and true intent.

## Character check-ins

### Duke Vincentio

Appoints Angelo as his deputy and prepares to leave Vienna.

### Escalus

Receives the Duke's commission as secondary to Angelo.

### Lord Angelo

Appointed deputy ruler of Vienna; expresses hesitation but accepts.

## Key lines

> Mortality and mercy in Vienna Live in thy tongue and heart

You have the power of life and death and the ability to show mercy in Vienna.

_The Duke grants Angelo full judicial authority._

> I love the people, But do not like to stage me to their eyes

I care for the people but dislike being the center of public attention.

_The Duke explains his preference for a private departure._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/measure_for_measure_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/measure_for_measure_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/measure_for_measure_se/chapters