Possible essay questions

1. How does Shakespeare present ideas about ‘mortality and mercy' in Measure for Measure?
2. ‘The old fantastical duke of dark corners'. In your opinion, how far does this description reflect Shakespeare's presentation of the Duke in Measure for Measure?
3. ‘Of government the properties to unfold … ' What does Measure for Measure suggest about the nature of government, and by what means?
4. ‘More than our brother is our chastity.' Explore how Shakespeare presents Isabella's attitude to chastity throughout Measure for Measure.
5. Explore Shakespeare's presentation and use of ‘low-life' characters in Measure for Measure.
6. How does Shakespeare present Lucio? What do Lucio's character and attitudes contribute to the play as a whole?
7. How does Shakespeare present ideas about ‘restraint' and ‘liberty' in Measure for Measure?
8. In Measure for Measure, what is the significance, to the play as a whole, of Escalus?
9. ‘I have seen corruption boil …' What ideas does Shakespeare present about corruption in Measure for Measure, and by what means?
10. What is the significance, in your opinion, of Shakespeare's presentation of Claudio and Juliet in Measure for Measure?
11. How far, and by what means, does Shakespeare use humour for serious purposes in Measure for Measure?
12. Angel or devil? What is your opinion of Angelo by the end of the play, and how has Shakespeare's presentation of him led you to your conclusion?
13. ‘Justice! Justice! Justice!' What ideas about the nature of justice does Shakespeare present in Measure for Measure, and by what means?
14. In what ways does Shakespeare's presentation of the Provost contribute to the central issues of Measure for Measure?
15. ‘One that, above all other strifes, contended especially to know himself.' How, and to what effect, does Shakespeare present ideas of self-knowledge and self-discovery in Measure for Measure?
16. Explore Shakespeare's use and presentation of female characters in Measure for Measure.
17. Explore the contribution to the overall effect of Measure for Measure of the different settings which Shakespeare uses within the play.
18. Explore Shakespeare's presentation of ideas about love, lust and marriage and other sexual issues in Measure for Measure.
19. What ideas does Shakespeare present in Measure for Measure, and by what means, about reputation?
20. ‘Mercy is not itself that oft looks so.' What ideas does Shakespeare present in Measure for Measure about mercy, and by what means?

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