Act 5 measure for measure Flashcards
Where does Act 5, Scene 1 take place?
Act 5 begins in a public place in Vienna, where Duke Vincentio (no longer in disguise) returns to hear grievances.
How does Isabella confront Angelo in Act 5, Scene 1?
Isabella publicly accuses Angelo of offering to save her brother in exchange for her virtue and breaking his promise by ordering Claudio’s execution.
What is Angelo’s initial response to Isabella’s accusation?
Angelo denies Isabella’s accusation and claims she is mad or mistaken.
Who supports Isabella’s claims against Angelo?
Mariana, Angelo’s former fiancée, steps forward to confirm the bed trick, explaining that she was the woman who slept with Angelo, not Isabella.
How does the Duke react to the accusations against Angelo?
The Duke initially pretends to doubt Isabella and Mariana, but he is actually aware of the truth and uses this as part of his plan to expose Angelo.
What does the Duke do when Friar Lodowick (his disguised self) is called to testify?
The Duke briefly leaves the stage, then returns as himself, revealing that he and Friar Lodowick are the same person and that he has been orchestrating the events.
How does Angelo react when his hypocrisy is finally exposed?
Angelo admits to his crimes and begs for death, feeling remorseful and prepared to face the consequences for his actions.
What punishment does the Duke initially sentence Angelo to?
The Duke sentences Angelo to death for his corruption, deceit, and the unlawful ordering of Claudio’s execution.
Who pleads for mercy for Angelo, and what is the outcome?
Mariana pleads for mercy, asking the Duke to spare Angelo’s life because she still loves him. Isabella also joins in the plea for mercy, and as a result, the Duke pardons Angelo.
What surprising revelation is made about Claudio’s fate?
The Duke reveals that Claudio is still alive, having been spared by the Duke’s intervention and a fake execution.
How does the Duke resolve the situation between Claudio and Juliet?
The Duke pardons Claudio and approves his marriage to Juliet, allowing them to live together without punishment.
What is Lucio’s punishment for slandering the Duke?
Lucio is ordered to marry a prostitute whom he had impregnated, and the Duke also orders that Lucio be whipped and hanged, though it’s unclear if this harsh punishment is fully carried out.
What unexpected proposal does the Duke make at the end of the play?
The Duke proposes marriage to Isabella, though her response is left ambiguous and she does not immediately reply.
What theme is highlighted by the Duke’s final decisions regarding mercy and justice?
The theme of mercy vs. justice is central in the final act, as the Duke chooses to show mercy to Angelo and others, promoting forgiveness and redemption over strict punishment.
How does the play end?
The play ends with the Duke’s proposal to Isabella, leaving her response ambiguous, while order is restored in Vienna through a mix of justice and forgiveness.
