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Measure for Measure

By William Shakespeare
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare that delves into themes of justice, morality, and power. Set in Vienna, the city is plagued by vice, and the Duke pretends to leave, entrusting Angelo, a strict deputy, with enforcing the law. Angelo's unyielding application of justice sets off a dramatic sequence of events, testing the boundaries between law and mercy.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you appreciate exploring themes of justice, morality, and the complexities of human nature, you may enjoy this work by Shakespeare. With its intriguing blend of drama and dark comedy, it delves into the challenges of balancing power and mercy, offering a timeless reflection on authority and ethics.

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In the Duke Vincentio's absence from Vienna, his strict deputy Angelo revives an ancient law forbidding sex outside marriage. The young Claudio, whose fiancee Juliet is pregnant, is condemned to death by the law. His sister Isabella, soon to become a nun, pleads with Lord Angelo for her brother's life.

One of Shakespeare's most enigmatic plays, Measure for Measure is a morally complex drama of intricate moves and countermoves that explores falsehood, justice and humanity's best and basest instincts.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Part of the authoritative and acclaimed Penguin Shakespeare series, now rejacketed in the celebrated Penguin Classics livery.

In the Duke's absence from Vienna, his strict deputy Angelo revives an ancient law forbidding sex outside marriage. The young Claudio, whose fiancée is pregnant, is condemned to death by the law. His sister Isabella, soon to become a nun, pleads with Lord Angelo for her brother's life. But her purity so excites Angelo that he offers her a monstrous bargain - he will save Claudio if Isabella will visit him that night.

Measure for Measure is a compelling exploration of morality, justice, and the complex interplay of power and innocence in human relationships.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Measure for Measure is often praised for its complex exploration of morality and justice, intertwining themes of power and virtue that resonate with modern audiences. Some critics highlight its dramatic tension and intricate characterisation, particularly in the depiction of hypocrisy and mercy. However, the play's ambiguous tone and challenging themes can evoke mixed feelings among readers, as it straddles the line between comedy and darker social critique.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141396552

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 July 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Contributions by Nicholas Arnold
  • Introduction by Julia Briggs
  • Revised by Julia Briggs

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 168g

Pages: 224

Collections

2025 Best Sellers Arts & Culture Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Poetry In Stock Arts & Culture Books In Stock Books Non-Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics William Shakespeare

About the Author

William Shakespeare was born in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon and died in 1616. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. Stanley Wells is Emeritus Professor of the University of Birmingham and Honorary President of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Julia Briggs was professor of English at De Montfort University in Leicester.

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