Theater: Measure For Measure

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Measure for Measure is another play written by William Shakespeare. It is defined as one of his problem plays as it is difficult to categorize the play into tragedy or comedy. The play explores the various aspects of human desires and its stark contrast with devout ideals.

According to the play's story, The Duke of Vienna has decided to enforce the city's harsh but unused laws against fornication i.e physical or sexual activity with between two people where neither is married. But The Duke realizes that he lacks the strength of will to enforce the law himself. So, he pretends to absent himself and appoints the stern Angelo as deputy, knowing that Angelo would enforce the full rigour of the law. The Duke appoints his assistant Escalus as the advisor to Angelo, his humanity standing in contrast to Angelo's harsh inflexibility. The Duke himself returns to Vienna disguised as a friar to observe the developments.

The first to fall victim to the revitalized law is Claudio, who has gotten his own betrothed pregnant. The fact that he plans to marry this girl does not pardon him or protect him from Angelo's harsh interpretation of the Viennese law. At the instigation of the bawdy rake Lucio, Claudio's sister Isabella makes her plea before Angelo. Angelo is so overcome with lust for this novice that he offers to spare her brother in return for a nocturnal rendezvous. Isabella refuses in horror, but Claudio is unmanned by fear of death and urges his sister to give in to Angelo's demands. At this point the Duke intervenes, still in disguise and takes action to vindicate the wronged girl.

The play is a great example of how well Shakespeare chalks his characters and captivates the audience. Contact your on line ticket vendor and get the tickets to this intriguing drama.