Description
"The digital edition of all books may be viewed on our website before purchase. If you are in the mood for a dark comedy with many issues to contemplate, then William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure will fulfill your literary needs. Measure for Measure is considered one of Shakespeare's "problem plays," because it has serious themes interwoven with what is supposed to be a comedy. H.C. Hart's introductory essay and notes to this edition are quite helpful for the reader, as he puts the play into historical context, then cites several Shakespeare scholars in his summaries of the major arcs for each character.
Measure for Measure tells the story of the Duke of Vienna, who gets tired of enforcing laws involving public morality, and so takes a leave of absence in order to travel abroad. Instead the Duke disguises himself as a friar and remains in Vienna to spy on his successor; His deputy, Angelo, who takes control and is determined to enforce the law with an iron fist. As the Duke watches, Angelo attempts to make an example of young Claudio, who has violated the public morality laws. Machinations and manipulations follow and everyone has something to lose.
Although titled as a comedy, the writing is dark and the lessons are sharp. Shakespeare seems to be making a point about hypocrisy, pointing a finger at those who are anxious to accuse others but privately succumb to the same temptations. The play is considered flawed as a drama, yet it addresses themes that still resonate centuries later, such as the different rules for commoners and elites, the corruption of those in power, and human fallibility.
Measure for Measure may be difficult reading at first, but as the play picks up the pace it becomes like a political thriller. It may encourage you to read Shakespeare's primary source for the play, George Whetstone's novella Promos and Cassandra. Overall, reading Measure for Measure is rewarding and definitely worth the effort.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books.
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. This text has been digitally restored from a historical edition. Some errors may persist, however we consider it worth publishing due to the work's historical value.
The digital edition of all books may be viewed on our website before purchase. "
Measure for Measure tells the story of the Duke of Vienna, who gets tired of enforcing laws involving public morality, and so takes a leave of absence in order to travel abroad. Instead the Duke disguises himself as a friar and remains in Vienna to spy on his successor; His deputy, Angelo, who takes control and is determined to enforce the law with an iron fist. As the Duke watches, Angelo attempts to make an example of young Claudio, who has violated the public morality laws. Machinations and manipulations follow and everyone has something to lose.
Although titled as a comedy, the writing is dark and the lessons are sharp. Shakespeare seems to be making a point about hypocrisy, pointing a finger at those who are anxious to accuse others but privately succumb to the same temptations. The play is considered flawed as a drama, yet it addresses themes that still resonate centuries later, such as the different rules for commoners and elites, the corruption of those in power, and human fallibility.
Measure for Measure may be difficult reading at first, but as the play picks up the pace it becomes like a political thriller. It may encourage you to read Shakespeare's primary source for the play, George Whetstone's novella Promos and Cassandra. Overall, reading Measure for Measure is rewarding and definitely worth the effort.
About the Publisher
Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books.
This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works. This text has been digitally restored from a historical edition. Some errors may persist, however we consider it worth publishing due to the work's historical value.
The digital edition of all books may be viewed on our website before purchase. "
Details
Publisher -
Language -
Hardback
Contributors
Author
William Shakespeare
Published Date -
ISBN - 9780483894419
Dimensions - 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm
Page Count - 233
Paperback
Contributors
Author
William Shakespeare
Published Date -
ISBN - 9781333109820
Dimensions - 22.9 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm
Page Count - 235
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