Critical Viewpoints for Measure for Measure

Question 1

Dr Samuel Johnson: Isabella’s feelings when she first sees Claudio

Answer 1

‘It is strange that Isabella is not made to express gratitude, wonder or joy at the sight of her brother’

Question 2

G. Wilson Knight: Human responsibility of the Duke and being a father figure to children

Answer 2

‘The Duke’s sense of human responsibility is delightful throughout; he is a kindly father and all the rest are his children’

Question 3

G. Wilson Knight: Authority of a teacher through disguise

Answer 3

‘The Duke expresses the authority of a teacher through his disguise as a friar’

Question 4

G. Wilson Knight: Angelo not evil but ensnared by good

Answer 4

‘Angelo has not been overcome by evil. He has been ensnared by good’

Question 5

E.M.W. Tillyard: Independence of Isabella in first half of play

Answer 5

‘There is no more independent character than the Isabella in the first half of the play’

Question 6

John Mortimer: Angelo cold blooded judge

Answer 6

‘Angelo is a cold blooded judge’