Measure for Measure · Chapter
Scene IV explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Justice and Mercy
The chapter introduces the central conflict between strict justice (Angelo's enforcement of the law against Claudio) and the plea for mercy (Isabella's potential intervention).
Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality
Lucio describes Angelo as a man of 'snow-broth' who appears virtuous but may be hiding his true nature, foreshadowing later hypocrisy.
Sexuality and Morality
Claudio's crime of impregnating Juliet out of wedlock highlights the play's exploration of sexual morality and societal punishment.
Characters to notice
- Isabella
Isabella is introduced as a novice nun, learning of her brother Claudio's imprisonment and being persuaded by Lucio to appeal to Angelo for mercy.
- Francisca
Francisca, a nun, instructs Isabella on the rules of the order and leaves her to speak with Lucio.
- Lucio
Lucio brings news of Claudio's arrest and Angelo's strict enforcement of the law, urging Isabella to intervene.
- Claudio
Claudio is mentioned as Isabella's brother, imprisoned and sentenced to death for impregnating Juliet.
- Juliet
Juliet is identified as Claudio's lover, who is pregnant with his child.
- Lord Angelo
Angelo is described as the strict deputy governing Vienna, who has condemned Claudio to death under a revived statute.
Key passages
“He hath got his friend with child.”
He has made his lover pregnant.
Lucio informs Isabella of Claudio's crime.
“Go to Lord Angelo, / And let him learn to know, when maidens sue, / Men give like gods; but when they weep and kneel, / All their petitions are as freely theirs / As they themselves would owe them.”
Appeal to Lord Angelo, for when women plead, men are generous like gods; but when they weep and kneel, their requests are granted as if they were their own.
Lucio encourages Isabella to use her feminine influence to sway Angelo.