Brief Questions in Measure For Measure

Brief Questions in Measure For Measure

• What are the chief sources of Measure for Measure?

Ans: The story comes from Cinthio’s Hecatommithi and Whetstone’s Promos and Cassandra.

• Whom is Lucio forced to marry?

Ans: Lucio is forced to marry Kate Keepdown, whom he made pregnant.

• Who replaces Isabella in the “bed-trick” with Angelo?

Ans: Mariana replaces Isabella in the “bed-trick” with Angelo.

• Who asks Isabella to surrender her body to save her brother’s life?

Ans: Angelo asks Isabella to sacrifice her body to save Claudio.

• Who says, “We must not make a scarecrow of the law”?

Ans: Angelo says these words.

• How does Lucio behave toward the Duke in disguise?

Ans: Lucio mocks and criticizes the Duke disguised as a friar.

• Why does Lucio condemn Angelo?

Ans: Lucio condemns Angelo for being too harsh and severe.

• Who is Barnardine?

Ans: Barnardine is a prisoner and a murderer.

• What judgment is passed on Barnardine by the Duke?

Ans: The Duke pardons Barnardine at the end.

• What is the final judgment on Angelo?

Ans: Angelo is pardoned by the Duke.

• How does Ragozine die?

Ans: Ragozine dies from a fever.

• Who says, “An Angelo for Claudio, death for death”?

Ans: The Duke says these words during the trial.

• What punishment does Lucio suffer?

Ans: Lucio must marry Kate Keepdown and is punished by the Duke.

• Why does the Duke take the disguise of a friar?

Ans: He disguises himself to observe Angelo’s rule in secret.

• Why does Claudio fail to marry Juliet?

Ans: Claudio cannot marry Juliet because her dowry is held by relatives.

1. How does Escalus plead on behalf of Claudio?

Ans: Escalus asks Angelo to show mercy to Claudio.

• Why are Pompey and Froth arrested by Elbow?

Ans: Pompey is arrested for pimping and Froth for visiting a brothel.

• What, according to Isabella, is tyrannical for a man of power?

Ans: She says it is tyrannical to misuse power like a giant.

• How does Isabella define mercy?

Ans: Isabella says mercy suits a ruler better than authority.

• How does Claudio express his fear of death?

Ans: Claudio fears his body will rot and his soul suffer after death.

• How was Mariana’s dowry lost?

Ans: Her dowry was lost in a shipwreck.

• What is the Duke’s plan of the “bed-trick”?

Ans: The Duke plans that Mariana will take Isabella’s place with Angelo.

• When does the Duke sentence Angelo to death?

Ans: The Duke sentences Angelo after revealing his deceit and cruelty.

• When does the Duke withdraw Angelo’s death sentence?

Ans: He cancels it when Claudio is shown to be alive.

• What punishment is imposed upon Lucio by the Duke?

Ans: Lucio must marry Kate Keepdown and is spared from whipping.

• What judgment is passed upon Claudio by the Duke?

Ans: The Duke forgives Claudio and asks him to marry Juliet.

• What proposal does the Duke make to Isabella?

Ans: The Duke proposes marriage to Isabella.

• What is Shakespeare’s message in Measure for Measure?

Ans: Shakespeare teaches that justice must be tempered with mercy.

• What is the name of the hangman in Measure for Measure?

Ans: His name is Abhorson.

• What is the literal meaning of the title “Measure for Measure”?

Ans: It means justice for justice, or punishment for sin.

• Why is Claudio given the death sentence?

Ans: Claudio is punished for making Juliet pregnant before marriage.

• Whose severed head is shown to Angelo?

Ans: The Provost shows Angelo the head of Ragozine.

• Whom does Isabella call a “Virgin violator”?

Ans: Isabella calls Angelo a “Virgin violator.”

• Who is Mistress Overdone?

Ans: Mistress Overdone is a brothel keeper in Vienna.

• Why is Claudio imprisoned?

Ans: Claudio is jailed for having sex before marriage.

• Who is appointed the deputy of Duke Vincentio?

Ans: Lord Angelo is made the Duke’s deputy.

• What type of comedy is Measure for Measure?

Ans: It is a tragi-comedy or problem play.

• Why was Claudio imprisoned?

Ans: Claudio was imprisoned for fornication with Juliet.

• How does Isabella threaten Angelo?

Ans: She threatens to expose his evil plan publicly.

• What is the main theme of Measure for Measure?

Ans: The main theme is justice balanced with mercy.

• What plea does Isabella make to the Duke?

Ans: She accuses Angelo of deceiving her and breaking his promise.