Isabella

Measure for Measure

William Shakespearec. 1604
Influence18th pct
Popularity18th pct
Shakespeare

Read this if you…

  • want a play that's considered problematic now, which can be fun
  • like the topic of hypocrisy
  • like the classic "Undercover Boss" shtick

Skip this if you…

  • aren't willing to go slow, read notes, look up analyses of famous passages (only way to "get" shakespeare)
  • foolishly think shakespeare is overrated
  • don't like his comedies compared to his tragedies

The Groblé Take

Decent Shakespeare on hypocrisy, classic undercover boss by Shakespeare. And also eye for an eye, measure for measure concept. Nothing amazing though

Connections

The lineage through Measure for Measure

Built Onwhat came beforeMeasure for MeasureThe Gospels

  • The Gospels by Matthew. Measure for Measure built on it. - The title is lifted whole from Matthew 7: "with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again" - That verse is also the argument — every judge in the play is finally judged by the standard he set - Knowing the Sermon on the Mount behind the title turns the play into a test case for Christ's words on judgment and mercy
See the full map
Gallery

Depicted in Art

Isabella visits her brother Claudio in his prison cell; he leans against the barred window as she pleads with him about Angelo's bargain.

William Holman Hunt, 1850

Isabella, gowned as a novice, kneels before the seated deputy Angelo as she pleads for Claudio's life.

William Hamilton, 1793

Escalus and a justice question the tapster Froth and the bawd Pompey, while Elbow the constable hovers — Shakespeare's comic court scene.

Robert Smirke, 1798

Isabella in novice's habit, hands clasped, looks upward in prayerful resolve.

Francis William Topham, 1888

Mariana stands at her embroidery table and stretches her back, gazing wearily through a Gothic stained-glass window into an autumn garden.

John Everett Millais, 1851

Mariana stands by a leaded window of the moated grange, gazing out across a bleak landscape.

Valentine Cameron Prinsep, 1888

Mariana stands before a mirror in a darkened room, head bowed in prayer, her reflection catching the only light.

John William Waterhouse, 1897

Editions

Recommended Editions

#1Top Pick$9.99$9.31

Folger Shakespeare Library

2004

Folger's the readable one. Text on one page, notes on the facing page, written in plain English instead of textbook-speak. Catches every word and reference you'd otherwise Google, without breaking the scene to do it.

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Notable Quotes

But man, proud man, Drest in a little brief authority, Most ignorant of what he's most assured, His glassy essence, like an angry ape, Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven As make the angels weep.

Isabella, Act II, Scene 2
All 14 quotes, with sources →
Adaptations

Screen & Stage

Posters via The Movie Database (TMDB)

AcclaimPraised by 2 notable voices
  • William Hazlitt, English Romantic essayist & critic, 1778–1830: "This is a play as full of genius as it is of wisdom."
  • Harold Bloom, Yale literary critic, 1930–2019: "The astonishing Measure for Measure can be regarded as Shakespeare's farewell to comedy."

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