Measure for Measure Contents
- Social / political context
- Religious / philosophical context
- The Theatre
- Act I
- Act II
- Act III
- Act IV
- Act V
Act I, scene i
Synopsis of Act I scene i
The Duke of Vienna, who is ruler of the city-state, has decided to leave for a while. He talks to his trusted councillor, Escalus, about his plan to put in charge, in his place, a man called Angelo, who has, apparently, a pure mind and a spotless reputation. Angelo enters, and the Duke announces his plan to leave and to give Angelo complete power over the life and death of his citizens. Angelo asks to be tested further before being given such a position, but the Duke remains firm in his decision. The Duke then leaves the city privately, while Angelo and Escalus go off to discuss their new powers.
Commentary on Act I scene i
Escalus … Of government the properties to unfold - The fact that the Duke first consults Escalus indicates to the audience that Escalus is a significant figure. The Duke's first comments immediately introduce the important theme of how to rule, and he tells us that Escalus knows a great deal about how to be an effective governor.
The terms For common justice y'are as pregnant in - Escalus thoroughly knows the laws. ‘Pregnant' here means ‘weighty' and hence ‘full of knowledge', but for Shakespeare's audience, as for a modern one, it would also have had the additional meaning of ‘fertile; bearing a child' and so introduces the important theme of sexual relations (see also Themes and significant ideas > The nature of humanity.)
What figure of us, think you, he will bear? - The Duke is asking whether Angelo will make a good substitute for himself as ruler, but he uses an image suggesting the ‘stamp' of a ruler's face on a coin.
More on coinage i): In Shakespeare's time there was a coin bearing the picture of an angel, so there is a clear link here with Angelo's name, and the image of coins is used elsewhere in the play. (See also Imagery and symbolism > Money and materialism.)
We have with special soul Elected him - As the play progresses it becomes clear that the Duke has selected Angelo in order to test him, and to make Angelo aware of his own spiritual weaknesses.
Lent him our terror, dressed him with our love - The Duke stresses that he expects his substitute ruler to show ‘love' to the citizens as well as inspiring ‘terror' in wrong-doers. However, Angelo later seems unwilling to show kindness or mercy.
If any in Vienna be of worth … It is Lord Angelo - This remark is ironic in view of what we later discover about Angelo. It also presents us with a problem when we learn in Act III sc i how Angelo callously abandoned Mariana – an act which seems to have been well known, at least to the Duke.
Your Grace's will - ‘Your Grace' is a courtesy title, equivalent to ‘My Lord', but together with other titles such as ‘Your honour' it also has wider significance in the play, since the question of heavenly grace is a very important theme. (See also Themes and significant ideas > The role of government.)
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do - The Duke means we should show our virtues in our actions. This is a reference to Luke 8:16 – ‘No-one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed.' (TNIV). It is the first of many biblical references within the text. (Note that the title of the play is a biblical quotation) (see also Themes and significant ideas > Judgement on earth and in heaven.)
Mortality and mercy in Vienna - The Duke explicitly tells Angelo, as he had earlier told Escalus, that he gives Angelo power of life and death (‘mortality') but he also indicates that he may show mercy. He reinforces the point again before the end of the scene:
Your scope is as mine own,
So to enforce or qualify the laws
As to your soul seems good.
So to enforce or qualify the laws
As to your soul seems good.
Let there be some more test made of my metal…stamp'd upon it - Again Shakespeare uses the idea of a coin with an image stamped on it. He puns on the idea of metal (the substance) and mettle (character).
More on coinage ii): Reference to Angelo's image suggests the idea of the coin known as an angel, which was current in Shakespeare's time. It had on it the image of the Archangel Michael standing on the dragon, or Satan, which he is piercing with his spear. As such, it is an emblem of spiritual battle and the defeat of sin.
Coins were often forged, or counterfeited, so the idea of testing a coin to see whether it was really worth what it appeared to be is a significant image when applied to Angelo and the Duke's testing of him throughout the play.
I … Do not like to stage me - King James I, who was on the throne of England (and Scotland) at the time when Measure for Measure was written, shared with the Duke a dislike of crowds and the public. He also believed in ‘the divine right of kings' (see also Religious/philosophical context > Divine right of kings).
The heavens give safety to your purposes - Another example of dramatic irony: Angelo cannot know at this point that the Duke's ‘purposes' are to test his apparent virtue. The reference to ‘heavens' suggests to the audience that the Duke's role may have divine significance. (See also Introduction; Religious/philosophical context > Divine right of kings; and Characterisation > The Duke.)
I'll wait upon your honour - As with the reference to ‘your grace' above, the title has greater significance than at first appears; the audience will find that reference to Angelo's ‘honour' will develop ironic implications.
Investigating Act I scene i
- Why do you think Shakespeare begins the play with this discussion?
- What themes seem to be introduced here?
- Note down any references to the qualities and powers of a ruler which you find in this scene.
- Note the impressions you form of Angelo and the Duke by the end of this scene.
- Later, consider whether your impressions have changed as the play progresses.
- English Standard Version
- King James Version
1Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. 4And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, 5A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold. As he said these things, he called out, He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 9And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10he said, To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God, but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 11Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 14And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. 16No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away. 19Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20And he was told, Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you. 21But he answered them, My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it. 22One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, Let us go across to the other side of the lake. So they set out, 23and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24And they went and woke him, saying, Master, Master, we are perishing! And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25He said to them, Where is your faith? And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him? 26Then they sailed to the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. 27When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. 28When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me. 29For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him. He was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.) 30Jesus then asked him, What is your name? And he said, Legion, for many demons had entered him. 31And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. 32Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. 33Then the demons came out of the man and entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. 34When the herdsmen saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. 35Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind, and they were afraid. 36And those who had seen it told them how the demon-possessed man had been healed. 37Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned. 38The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you. And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. 40Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased. 45And Jesus said, Who was it that touched me? When all denied it, Peter said, Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you! 46But Jesus said, Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me. 47And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48And he said to her, Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace. 49While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more. 50But Jesus on hearing this answered him, Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well. 51And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. 52And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping. 53And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54But taking her by the hand he called, saying, Child, arise. 55And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat. 56And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
1And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 2And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. 4And when much people were gathered together, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable: 5A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 7And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 8And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundredfold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be? 10And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 11Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 14And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. 16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light. 17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad. 18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have. 19Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press. 20And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. 21And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it. 22Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. 23But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. 24And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. 26And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee. 27And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. 28When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. 29(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) 30And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. 31And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. 32And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. 33Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. 34When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. 35Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. 36They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. 37Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again. 38Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. 40And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. 41And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: 42For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. 43And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 46And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. 49While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. 50But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. 51And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden. 52And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. 53And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. 54And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. 55And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. 56And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.
Supernatural beings closely linked with the work of God; his messengers, traditionally portrayed as having a winged human form.
1. Consisting of or relating to (the) spirit(s), rather than material or bodily form.
2. Relating to matters of the soul, faith, religion, or the supernatural.
3. A type of religious song whose roots are in the slave communities of North America.
The showing of pity and compassion; in particular, the grace and forgiveness offered by God to sinful humans if they repent of their wrong-doings.
Relating to irony, in which a comment may mean the opposite of what is actually said.
Heaven is presented in Christianity and other faiths as the dwelling place of God and the future home of those who believe in and obey him. Heaven described as a place of joy, beauty and peace.
Undeserved favour. The Bible uses this term to describe God's gifts to human beings.
The fact that all created beings will inevitably die.
The showing of pity and compassion; in particular, the grace and forgiveness offered by God to sinful humans if they repent of their wrong-doings.
A play on the meaning of words, often for comic effect.
a person's spirit and resilience when doing something difficult
Chief angel. In Christian tradition Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are considered to be archangels.
The devil; the term 'Satan' actually means 'Enemy' and is often used to refer to the force of evil in the world.
Disobedience to the known will of God. According to Christian theology human beings have displayed a pre-disposition to sin since the Fall of Humankind.
Situation (often with tragic consequences) in which the true significance of a literary character's words or actions is revealed to the audience but not understood by the character concerned.
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