# Scene II explained — Measure for Measure

> Chapter companion for Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Mercy

Isabella argues for mercy over strict justice, while Angelo insists on the letter of the law, creating a central conflict.

### Hypocrisy and Appearance vs. Reality

Angelo's public persona of incorruptible justice contrasts with his private, lustful thoughts, revealing the gap between appearance and reality.

### Power and Authority

Angelo's use of his deputed power to condemn Claudio while being tempted to abuse it highlights the corrupting potential of authority.

## Character check-ins

### Isabella

Pleads passionately for Claudio's life, using arguments of mercy and self-reflection, but inadvertently inflames Angelo's desire.

### Lord Angelo

Publicly upholds the law and refuses clemency, but privately struggles with newfound lust for Isabella, questioning his own virtue.

### Lucio

Coaches Isabella from the sidelines, urging her to be more forceful and persistent in her pleas.

### Provost

Seeks clarification on Claudio's execution and reports Juliet's condition; silently hopes Isabella succeeds.

## Key lines

> The tempter or the tempted, who sins most?

Who is more guilty, the one who tempts or the one who is tempted?

_Angelo questions moral responsibility in his soliloquy after Isabella leaves._

> O, it is excellent To have a giant’s strength; but it is tyrannous To use it like a giant.

It is good to have great power, but it is oppressive to wield it ruthlessly.

_Isabella criticizes Angelo's harsh exercise of authority._

> Go to your bosom; Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know That’s like my brother’s fault

Search your own conscience and see if you are not guilty of a similar sin.

_Isabella urges Angelo to reflect on his own moral failings._

## Links

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