Summaries

Question 1

What happened in Act 1

Answer 1

Duke tells Escalus about law
Angelo is informed of his position
Vienna’s lawlessness is shown
Claudio seems repentant
Duke asks Friar Thomas for disguise
Lucio asks Isabella to help Claudio

Question 2

What happened in Act 2

Answer 2

Escalus and Angelo hold court over Pompey with little control
Angelo meets Isabella
Angelo falls in love (soliloquy)
Angelo gives Isabella a ‘deal’

Question 3

What happened in Act 3

Answer 3

The Duke visits Claudio
Isabella argues with Claudio
Duke proposes ‘the bedtrick’
Pompey is arrested
Lucio insults the friar

Question 4

What happened in Act 4

Answer 4

Marianna meets Isabella and agrees to the ‘bedtrick’
Barnadine is introduced
Claudio is still ordered to die
Duke proposes the ‘Headtrick’
A pirate’s head is used instead.

Question 5

What happens in Act 5

Answer 5

Isabella speaks about Angelo at the public gates
Duke carries out punishments
Angelo marries Marianna, Claudio and Juliet marry, Lucio marries mother of his child.
Duke proposes to Isabella.