Measure for Measure (Aperio Series: Loyola Humane Texts) (The Pelican Shakespeare) (Arkangel audiobooks)

by William Shakespeare

Measure for Measure is among the most passionately discussed of Shakespeare's plays. In it, a duke temporarily removes himself from governing his city-state, deputizing a member of his administration, Angelo, to enforce the laws more rigorously. Angelo chooses as his first victim Claudio, condemning him to death because he impregnated Juliet before their marriage.

Claudio's sister Isabella, who is entering a convent, pleads for her brother's life. Angelo attempts to extort sex from her, but Isabella preserves her chastity. The duke, in disguise, eavesdrops as she tells her brother about Angelo's behavior, then offers to ally himself with her against Angelo.

Modern responses to the play show how it can be transformed by its reception in present culture to evoke continuing fascination. To some, the duke (the government) seems meddlesome; to others, he is properly imposing moral standards. Angelo and Isabella's encounter exemplifies sexual harassment. Others see a woman's right to control her body in Isabella's choice between her virginity and her brother's life.

The authoritative edition of Measure for Measure from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers, includes:

-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play
-Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play
-Scene-by-scene plot summaries
-A key to the play's famous lines and phrases
-An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language
-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play
-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books
-An annotated guide to further reading

Essay by Christy Desmet

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.

• ISBN10: 0743484908
• ISBN13: 9780743484909
• Publish Date: 1 September 2005 (first published December 1922)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: AU
• Imprint: Downtown Press
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 224
• Language: English

Reviews

[nightingalereads]

Again, loved it.

[clementine]

I don't know, man. The comedies just don't do it for me. They're quick and easy to get through, and the plots are good enough, but to me they just don't hold up over the centuries the way the tragedies do. Throw in all the casual misogyny and I'm not feeling it.

Like, okay, it's a comedy, so the ending is supposed to be happy, right? Except that Mariana is married to a dick and Isabella is being pursued by another dick, possibly (probably?) against her will, and it's not my favourite.

I like the idea of a disguised ruler and the fallout that comes from that, plus the ethical considerations, so I did enjoy the premise and the exploration there. But overall, I think a lot of the humour got lost in the fact that I do not live in Vienna in 1603.