Act II, Scene i
Summary
Angelo tells Escalus that they "must not make a scarecrow of the law" (II.i.1), meaning that
they must not waver in their decisions. Escalus argues that they should "cut a little" rather than
"fall, and bruise to death," comparing law enforcement to pruning a tree; it is better to trim the
tree than to cut it down. He also brings up Claudio's specific case, asking Angelo to consider
whether he could have erred in the same way at some point in his life.
Angelo responds, "Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus, another thing to fall" (II.i.17). He
argues that, despite the ever-changing line between lawmaker and criminal, the law must still
stand firm. He admits that he himself is capable of transgression, but adds that he hopes to be
treated with the same strictness should he do wrong. Angelo calls in the provost and tells him
to ensure that Claudio is executed before nine o'clock the next morning.
Elbow enters, bringing Pompey and Froth with him. Angelo asks him what he is doing, and he
replies that he is the Duke's constable, and that he has brought two "notorious benefactors" to
Angelo. Angelo asks if they are not "malefactors" instead, and the constable replies that he does
not know. Angelo asks Pompey what he is, and Elbow calls him a "parcel-bawd," or a partial
bawd. It becomes clear that Elbow confuses words a lot, and so Angelo has difficulty
questioning him. He does say that he found Pompey and Froth at a brothel. Froth confesses to
working for Mistress Overdone, and Escalus tells him that prostitution is an illegal and
punishable occupation, warning him not to be seen at the brothel again.
Escalus questions Elbow about other constables, telling him to bring the names of other worthy
people. He then mourns the fate of Claudio, but says that there is no remedy for it.
Commentary
This scene exists primarily for comic relief, distracting the audience momentarily from the
issues at stake, particularly Claudio's imminent execution. Escalus is a noble character who
acts as a straight-man to the dim-witted constable and the foolish clown. Elbow is a frivolous
addition to the cast of characters, amusing because of his use of malapropisms, or misspoken
phrases and words. He is sent to retrieve the criminals of Vienna, and he appears at various
intervals performing this task and providing more pure comedy.
At the end of the scene, the tone shifts back to seriousness, as Escalus expresses his pity for
Claudio. It is important that Escalus, as well as the provost, does not approve of the punishment
to be administered to Claudio, and yet sees no way to convince Angelo to be more merciful.
Angelo appears to be narrow-minded and stern; the other characters seem to fear him. There is
a sense of apathy among the characters generally; it takes the Duke's intervention to promote
movement, discussion, and action in them.
Act II, Scenes ii-iv
Summary
The provost goes to see Angelo, hoping to convince him to change his mind about Claudio. He
mentions Juliet, saying that she is going to give birth soon.
A servant announces that Isabella has arrived. She tells Angelo that she abhors Claudio's vice,
fornication, and that she is sorry to have to beg for his pardon. Yet she asks that Angelo
condemn his fault instead of him. Angelo argues that the person who commits a crime must be
punished for the crime. Isabella exclaims, "O just but severe law!" (II.ii.42), showing that she
approves of the law and is already mourning her brother's death. Lucio whispers to her that she
should not give up so easily and tells her to kneel before Angelo and act more warmly towards
him. Isabella asks again if Claudio must die, and he says yes.
She continues to plead with him, and Lucio again tells her that she is too cold. She argues that
Claudio would have mercy on Angelo if the roles were reversed. Angelo tells Isabella to leave.
Lucio tells Isabella to touch Angelo more, and Angelo tells her that she is wasting her time.
Angelo also argues that he would condemn even his own relative in the same way. Isabella
continues to argue, speaking more readily, and Lucio tells her that Angelo is wavering. Angelo
finally tells her that he will think about it, and that she should return tomorrow.
Isabella calls out, "Hark how I'll bribe you. . ." (II.ii.144), and Angelo grows interested,
replying, "How?" (II.ii.147). Isabella responds that she will pray for him, and Angelo again
tells her to come back tomorrow. Lucio tells her to obey, and Isabella agrees to return before
noon.
The scene ends with a soliloquy in which Angelo realizes that he desires Isabella in a sexual
way and ponders why. He says, "Dost thou desire her foully for those things that make her
good? Oh, let her brother live. . ." (II.ii.173-174).
The Duke, disguised as a friar, visits the prison, saying that he wants to visit the prisoners.
Juliet enters, and the Duke asks her if she repents her sin. She replies yes, and the Duke says he
will help absolve her. He asks if she loves the man that impregnated her, and she replies that
she loves him as much as she loves herself. The Duke figures out that their sexual encounter
was consensual, and Juliet agrees. The Duke then tells her that she sinned more than her lover,
and she says that she repents it. The Duke tells her that he is going to visit Claudio, who must
die tomorrow, and Juliet expresses her sorrow.
Commentary
Measure for Measure reaches its height of tension early, with the encounter between Isabella
and Angelo and the issues that their meeting raises. Angelo find himself suddenly vulnerable to
the same sinful desires for which he is having Claudio put to death. This changes his position
completely; no longer on a moral pedestal, he must instead spend his time avoiding culpability
rather than carrying out the law.
Lucio seems to comprehend Angelo's vulnerability from the start, encouraging Isabella to touch
him and be less cold. Lucio is encouraging Isabella to exploit her femininity to convince
Angelo. In a way, he is even encouraging her to offer herself as his sexual object in order to
save her brother's life. Lucio may well know that Angelo would respond by propositioning her,
and he may expect her to accept, just as her brother will when she explains the dilemma to him.
Only Isabella understands fornication to be a deadly sin, which is why the thought is so
repulsive to her.
The Duke enjoys his newfound power to absolve sinners as a friar. He shows natural sympathy
towards Juliet, and it is clear that he would be more merciful in Angelo's place, but that he is
not against Angelo's actions. Already we see the Duke's desire to operate power from the
inside, investigating the various characters in his disguise and determining from the evidence
they provide what the best course of action will be. The Duke is the only character who appears
in almost every location in the play; his hand is active everywhere, and he is pulling most of
the strings.
Act II, Scene iv
Summary
Angelo considers his situation again, confused by the conflicting emotions he is experiencing
regarding his laws about fornication and his desire for Isabella. His servant enters to announce
Isabella's arrival, and he is concerned about his feelings.
Angelo tells Isabella that her brother will still die, but seems less firm. Isabella asks for
clarification, and Angelo poses the question, "Which had you rather: the most just law now
took your brother's life; or, to redeem him, give up your body to such sweet uncleanness as she
that he hath stained?" (II.iv.52-54). In other words, would she sacrifice her virginity to save her
brother?
Isabella replies, "I had rather give my body than my soul" (II.iv.56). Angelo clarifies his
question, saying that he has sentenced Claudio to death. He asks, "Might there not be a charity
in sin to save this brother's life?"--hypothetically asking whether she would sin to save him
(II.iv.63).
She asks him to pardon her brother, saying that it would be worth a sin, but innocently
assuming that he is speaking of the sin of forgiving him for his crime. Angelo tries to make her
understand what he really means, saying that she is misinterpreting his words and thus either
ignorant or crafty. He again tries to make his proposition, beginning by saying that Claudio will
die. Isabella understands this much, and Angelo says that his crime warrants such a
punishment. Isabella agrees. Then Angelo states his question more clearly, asking whether she
would be willing to have sexual relations with a man in order to save Claudio.
Isabella says that she would rather die than commit such an act, so therefore her brother should
die under the same conditions. Angelo replies that he will die. Isabella agrees to this, saying
that it is better for him to die than for her soul to be tarnished by the sin. Angelo asks her
whether she is not acting as cruelly as he is, and she argues that she cannot redeem her brother
through further sin.
Angelo tells Isabella that he loves her, and she replies, "My brother did love Juliet, and you tell
me that he shall die for't" (II.iv.143). Angelo replies that Claudio will not die if Isabella agrees
to his proposition. Isabel grows irate when she realizes he is sincere, and says that she will
blackmail him if he does not pardon her brother, telling everyone what he has asked of her.
Angelo replies, "Who will believe thee, Isabel?" (II.iv.144). He speaks of his reputation and
position in the state, suggesting that he has more power than she does. He tells her to be less
timid and agree to his proposal, or else her brother will not only die but also suffer a long and
painful death. He gives her until the next day to decide and leaves.
Isabella is left to think about the situation by herself. She wonders who would believe her if she
were to tell what has happened. She decides to visit her brother, sure that he will agree that she
should not give up her chastity for his life. She also hopes to put his mind at rest before he dies.
Commentary
The very structure of this scene is frustrating. The audience is immediately aware of Angelo's
intentions, but Isabella is either too naive to understand them or too desperate to avoid the
actual proposition. She is obviously offended by the very notion of having sexual intercourse
with Angelo, becoming furious at the suggestion. It may be her angry reluctance that makes her
so desirable to Angelo. It would not be difficult for him to find a sexual partner, considering
the prevalence of prostitution in Vienna, and later we discover that there is a woman readily
available to him as a wife. He seeks to abstain from sexual activity, and only Isabella draws
him out of this resolution.
Isabella is given apparent power over her brother's situation, and she genuinely believes that
she could save her brother's life. She refuses the option instantly. In a way, she is handing this
power over to God; her virtue and her soul are, for her, in God's hands, and by refusing to
disobey his will she is only following along with his expectations of her. Her power is solely
sexual, and so she refuses it. Although Isabella is fast in her determination to refuse, Angelo
gives her a day to think about it. Dramatically, this gives Isabella time to discuss the proposal
with her brother and the Duke time to formulate a plan. It also shows that Angelo believes she
will relent with enough persuasion.
Two larger issues emerge in the exchange between Angelo and Isabella. Angelo brings up the
topic of love, claiming to be in love with her. He does not promise to marry her, however,
implying that he really feels solely lust. Isabella mentions that she would rather die than have
intercourse with him, which becomes her primary justification for refusing. She formulates the
opinion that death is favorable to shame, and decides that her brother's death is better than her
own sinful act.
Summary
Angelo tells Escalus that they "must not make a scarecrow of the law" (II.i.1), meaning that
they must not waver in their decisions. Escalus argues that they should "cut a little" rather than
"fall, and bruise to death," comparing law enforcement to pruning a tree; it is better to trim the
tree than to cut it down. He also brings up Claudio's specific case, asking Angelo to consider
whether he could have erred in the same way at some point in his life.
Angelo responds, "Tis one thing to be tempted, Escalus, another thing to fall" (II.i.17). He
argues that, despite the ever-changing line between lawmaker and criminal, the law must still
stand firm. He admits that he himself is capable of transgression, but adds that he hopes to be
treated with the same strictness should he do wrong. Angelo calls in the provost and tells him
to ensure that Claudio is executed before nine o'clock the next morning.
Elbow enters, bringing Pompey and Froth with him. Angelo asks him what he is doing, and he
replies that he is the Duke's constable, and that he has brought two "notorious benefactors" to
Angelo. Angelo asks if they are not "malefactors" instead, and the constable replies that he does
not know. Angelo asks Pompey what he is, and Elbow calls him a "parcel-bawd," or a partial
bawd. It becomes clear that Elbow confuses words a lot, and so Angelo has difficulty
questioning him. He does say that he found Pompey and Froth at a brothel. Froth confesses to
working for Mistress Overdone, and Escalus tells him that prostitution is an illegal and
punishable occupation, warning him not to be seen at the brothel again.
Escalus questions Elbow about other constables, telling him to bring the names of other worthy
people. He then mourns the fate of Claudio, but says that there is no remedy for it.
Commentary
This scene exists primarily for comic relief, distracting the audience momentarily from the
issues at stake, particularly Claudio's imminent execution. Escalus is a noble character who
acts as a straight-man to the dim-witted constable and the foolish clown. Elbow is a frivolous
addition to the cast of characters, amusing because of his use of malapropisms, or misspoken
phrases and words. He is sent to retrieve the criminals of Vienna, and he appears at various
intervals performing this task and providing more pure comedy.
At the end of the scene, the tone shifts back to seriousness, as Escalus expresses his pity for
Claudio. It is important that Escalus, as well as the provost, does not approve of the punishment
to be administered to Claudio, and yet sees no way to convince Angelo to be more merciful.
Angelo appears to be narrow-minded and stern; the other characters seem to fear him. There is
a sense of apathy among the characters generally; it takes the Duke's intervention to promote
movement, discussion, and action in them.
Act II, Scenes ii-iv
Summary
The provost goes to see Angelo, hoping to convince him to change his mind about Claudio. He
mentions Juliet, saying that she is going to give birth soon.
A servant announces that Isabella has arrived. She tells Angelo that she abhors Claudio's vice,
fornication, and that she is sorry to have to beg for his pardon. Yet she asks that Angelo
condemn his fault instead of him. Angelo argues that the person who commits a crime must be
punished for the crime. Isabella exclaims, "O just but severe law!" (II.ii.42), showing that she
approves of the law and is already mourning her brother's death. Lucio whispers to her that she
should not give up so easily and tells her to kneel before Angelo and act more warmly towards
him. Isabella asks again if Claudio must die, and he says yes.
She continues to plead with him, and Lucio again tells her that she is too cold. She argues that
Claudio would have mercy on Angelo if the roles were reversed. Angelo tells Isabella to leave.
Lucio tells Isabella to touch Angelo more, and Angelo tells her that she is wasting her time.
Angelo also argues that he would condemn even his own relative in the same way. Isabella
continues to argue, speaking more readily, and Lucio tells her that Angelo is wavering. Angelo
finally tells her that he will think about it, and that she should return tomorrow.
Isabella calls out, "Hark how I'll bribe you. . ." (II.ii.144), and Angelo grows interested,
replying, "How?" (II.ii.147). Isabella responds that she will pray for him, and Angelo again
tells her to come back tomorrow. Lucio tells her to obey, and Isabella agrees to return before
noon.
The scene ends with a soliloquy in which Angelo realizes that he desires Isabella in a sexual
way and ponders why. He says, "Dost thou desire her foully for those things that make her
good? Oh, let her brother live. . ." (II.ii.173-174).
The Duke, disguised as a friar, visits the prison, saying that he wants to visit the prisoners.
Juliet enters, and the Duke asks her if she repents her sin. She replies yes, and the Duke says he
will help absolve her. He asks if she loves the man that impregnated her, and she replies that
she loves him as much as she loves herself. The Duke figures out that their sexual encounter
was consensual, and Juliet agrees. The Duke then tells her that she sinned more than her lover,
and she says that she repents it. The Duke tells her that he is going to visit Claudio, who must
die tomorrow, and Juliet expresses her sorrow.
Commentary
Measure for Measure reaches its height of tension early, with the encounter between Isabella
and Angelo and the issues that their meeting raises. Angelo find himself suddenly vulnerable to
the same sinful desires for which he is having Claudio put to death. This changes his position
completely; no longer on a moral pedestal, he must instead spend his time avoiding culpability
rather than carrying out the law.
Lucio seems to comprehend Angelo's vulnerability from the start, encouraging Isabella to touch
him and be less cold. Lucio is encouraging Isabella to exploit her femininity to convince
Angelo. In a way, he is even encouraging her to offer herself as his sexual object in order to
save her brother's life. Lucio may well know that Angelo would respond by propositioning her,
and he may expect her to accept, just as her brother will when she explains the dilemma to him.
Only Isabella understands fornication to be a deadly sin, which is why the thought is so
repulsive to her.
The Duke enjoys his newfound power to absolve sinners as a friar. He shows natural sympathy
towards Juliet, and it is clear that he would be more merciful in Angelo's place, but that he is
not against Angelo's actions. Already we see the Duke's desire to operate power from the
inside, investigating the various characters in his disguise and determining from the evidence
they provide what the best course of action will be. The Duke is the only character who appears
in almost every location in the play; his hand is active everywhere, and he is pulling most of
the strings.
Act II, Scene iv
Summary
Angelo considers his situation again, confused by the conflicting emotions he is experiencing
regarding his laws about fornication and his desire for Isabella. His servant enters to announce
Isabella's arrival, and he is concerned about his feelings.
Angelo tells Isabella that her brother will still die, but seems less firm. Isabella asks for
clarification, and Angelo poses the question, "Which had you rather: the most just law now
took your brother's life; or, to redeem him, give up your body to such sweet uncleanness as she
that he hath stained?" (II.iv.52-54). In other words, would she sacrifice her virginity to save her
brother?
Isabella replies, "I had rather give my body than my soul" (II.iv.56). Angelo clarifies his
question, saying that he has sentenced Claudio to death. He asks, "Might there not be a charity
in sin to save this brother's life?"--hypothetically asking whether she would sin to save him
(II.iv.63).
She asks him to pardon her brother, saying that it would be worth a sin, but innocently
assuming that he is speaking of the sin of forgiving him for his crime. Angelo tries to make her
understand what he really means, saying that she is misinterpreting his words and thus either
ignorant or crafty. He again tries to make his proposition, beginning by saying that Claudio will
die. Isabella understands this much, and Angelo says that his crime warrants such a
punishment. Isabella agrees. Then Angelo states his question more clearly, asking whether she
would be willing to have sexual relations with a man in order to save Claudio.
Isabella says that she would rather die than commit such an act, so therefore her brother should
die under the same conditions. Angelo replies that he will die. Isabella agrees to this, saying
that it is better for him to die than for her soul to be tarnished by the sin. Angelo asks her
whether she is not acting as cruelly as he is, and she argues that she cannot redeem her brother
through further sin.
Angelo tells Isabella that he loves her, and she replies, "My brother did love Juliet, and you tell
me that he shall die for't" (II.iv.143). Angelo replies that Claudio will not die if Isabella agrees
to his proposition. Isabel grows irate when she realizes he is sincere, and says that she will
blackmail him if he does not pardon her brother, telling everyone what he has asked of her.
Angelo replies, "Who will believe thee, Isabel?" (II.iv.144). He speaks of his reputation and
position in the state, suggesting that he has more power than she does. He tells her to be less
timid and agree to his proposal, or else her brother will not only die but also suffer a long and
painful death. He gives her until the next day to decide and leaves.
Isabella is left to think about the situation by herself. She wonders who would believe her if she
were to tell what has happened. She decides to visit her brother, sure that he will agree that she
should not give up her chastity for his life. She also hopes to put his mind at rest before he dies.
Commentary
The very structure of this scene is frustrating. The audience is immediately aware of Angelo's
intentions, but Isabella is either too naive to understand them or too desperate to avoid the
actual proposition. She is obviously offended by the very notion of having sexual intercourse
with Angelo, becoming furious at the suggestion. It may be her angry reluctance that makes her
so desirable to Angelo. It would not be difficult for him to find a sexual partner, considering
the prevalence of prostitution in Vienna, and later we discover that there is a woman readily
available to him as a wife. He seeks to abstain from sexual activity, and only Isabella draws
him out of this resolution.
Isabella is given apparent power over her brother's situation, and she genuinely believes that
she could save her brother's life. She refuses the option instantly. In a way, she is handing this
power over to God; her virtue and her soul are, for her, in God's hands, and by refusing to
disobey his will she is only following along with his expectations of her. Her power is solely
sexual, and so she refuses it. Although Isabella is fast in her determination to refuse, Angelo
gives her a day to think about it. Dramatically, this gives Isabella time to discuss the proposal
with her brother and the Duke time to formulate a plan. It also shows that Angelo believes she
will relent with enough persuasion.
Two larger issues emerge in the exchange between Angelo and Isabella. Angelo brings up the
topic of love, claiming to be in love with her. He does not promise to marry her, however,
implying that he really feels solely lust. Isabella mentions that she would rather die than have
intercourse with him, which becomes her primary justification for refusing. She formulates the
opinion that death is favorable to shame, and decides that her brother's death is better than her
own sinful act.
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