Context

Question 1

What had occurred before measure for measure

Answer 1

1603- Queen Elizabeth I died- public places shut down.
1604- Outbreak of the plague put a stop to public entertainment.
1603- James I succeeded Elizabeth I

Question 2

What can measure for measure represent

Answer 2

Was conceived in crisis- War, Plague, Treason and the real state of England. Vienna’s sexual licences and liberty links to the conventions of the city. Vienna is London

Question 3

Angelo’s first law to audience

Answer 3

Ridiculous and impossible to police. Audience have relaxed attitudes to sexual liberty (1/3 children born out of wedlock). Punishment seems disproportionate making Angelo seem absolutist.

Question 4

Duke to audience

Answer 4

Has no power to be a friar which is blasphemous. A protestant audience to an anti-Catholic play encourages them to be more critical. Takes an omni-potent/God-like role.
Encouraged to question the Duke.

Question 5

Isabella to audience

Answer 5

She changes Angelo’s character and language- In comedies females change the lives of men. Sympathise for her as a lone character who questions who to trust.

Question 6

Subjects in comedies

Answer 6

Politics, sex and religion shows corruption and hypocrisy.

Question 7

Isabella and Claudio to audience

Answer 7

Isabella is scared of shame, Claudio is scared or death. Ambiguous relationships. No speech at end, Isabella’s last words to him are “Ill pray a thousand prayers for thy death”

Question 8

Act 5 to audience

Answer 8

A farcical parody of justice as it begins with criminal (Angelo) judging victims. Audience feel like they need death and punishment after a miscarriage of justice.