Measure for Measure : Key info
Measure for Measure is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Measure for Measure.
Key info
- Full Title: Measure for Measure
- Author: William Shakespeare
- Type of Work: Play
- Genre: Comedy, Problem Play
- Acts and Scenes: 5 acts, 17 scenes (4+4+2+6+1)
- Source: Shakespeare’s primary source for the story is “Promos and Cassandra” by George Whetstone, as well as various legal texts and folk tales.
- Language: English
- Written In: England, between 1603-1604
- First Published: 1623 in the First Folio
- Publisher: John Heminge and Henry Condell, Shakespeare’s acting colleagues
- Climax: The main characters confront each other at the city gates during the play’s last act, in which the injustices of the play are reversed and proper punishments are distributed.
- Protagonist: Duke Vincentio
- Antagonist: Angelo
- Tone: Darkly comedic, tense, with elements of moral ambiguity
- Setting
Time: Set during an unspecified time, likely meant to resemble the Renaissance era
Place: Vienna
Background: Measure for Measure was written in the early 1600s. During this time, people discussed morality, justice, and authority. Shakespeare based his story on Promos and Cassandra by George Whetstone. The play looks at justice, mercy, power, and human behavior. It shows the struggle between law and morality, a big issue in Shakespeare’s time.