# Scene II explained — Measure for Measure

> Chapter companion for Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Lucio and the gentlemen joke about piety and sin, while Claudio criticizes Angelo's selective enforcement of laws that had been ignored for nineteen years.

### Power and Authority

Claudio reflects on the 'demigod Authority' and how the new deputy uses his power to enforce neglected statutes.

### Sexuality and Morality

Claudio's arrest for lechery and the brothel closures highlight Vienna's crackdown on sexual vice.

## Character check-ins

### Lucio

Jests with gentlemen, learns of Claudio's arrest, and agrees to inform Isabella of her brother's plight.

### Claudio

Arrested and led to prison; explains his 'true contract' with Julietta and the harsh enforcement of old laws by Angelo.

### Mistress Overdone

Hears of Claudio's arrest and the proclamation to demolish suburban brothels, lamenting the change in Vienna.

### Pompey

Brings news of the proclamation and reassures Mistress Overdone that her trade will continue despite the closures.

### Juliet

Present with Claudio as he is taken to prison, identified as the woman he impregnated.

### Provost

Escorts Claudio to prison under Lord Angelo's orders.

## Key lines

> Thus can the demigod Authority Make us pay down for our offence by weight The words of heaven; on whom it will, it will; On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.

Authority, like a god, can punish us heavily for our sins, choosing some and sparing others, but we must accept it as just.

_Claudio laments the arbitrary power of Angelo's enforcement._

> The stealth of our most mutual entertainment With character too gross is writ on Juliet.

The secret of our mutual pleasure is all too plainly visible on Juliet's body.

_Claudio explains that Juliet's pregnancy reveals their relationship._

> All houses in the suburbs of Vienna must be plucked down.

All brothels located in the outskirts of Vienna are to be demolished.

_Pompey reports the new proclamation targeting vice establishments._

## Links

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