# Scene III explained — Measure for Measure

> Chapter companion for Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Forgiveness and Redemption

The Duke guides Juliet toward genuine repentance, emphasizing contrition for the sin itself rather than merely its worldly consequences.

### Sexuality and Morality

Juliet's pregnancy out of wedlock and her shame highlight the moral and social consequences of sexual transgression in Vienna.

## Character check-ins

### Duke Vincentio

Disguised as a friar, he visits the prison to minister to the afflicted and counsels Juliet on repentance.

### Provost

He greets the disguised Duke and informs him of Juliet's situation and Claudio's impending execution.

### Juliet

She is pregnant and repentant, confessing her sin to the Duke and expressing sorrow for Claudio's fate.

## Key lines

> Who, falling in the flaws of her own youth, Hath blister’d her report: she is with child;

She made mistakes in her youth that damaged her reputation, and now she is pregnant.

_The Provost explains Juliet's situation to the Duke._

> Then was your sin of heavier kind than his.

Your sin was more serious than his.

_The Duke suggests that Juliet's willing participation makes her offense graver than Claudio's._

## Links

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