Measure for Measure
Illustrated Version
Description:... Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604. Originally published in the First Folio of 1623, where it was listed as a comedy, the play's first recorded performance occurred in 1604.Measure for Measure was printed as a comedy in the first folio and continues to be classified as one, though its tone sometimes defies this classification. Today it is often called one of Shakespeare's problem plays.One of Shakespeare's "dark comedies," Measure for Measure is as noteworthy for its fascinating political and social implications as for its compelling characters: a duke masquerading as a monk, a would-be nun ordered to sacrifice her chastity to save her brother's life, and a self-righteous courtier, professing his incorruptibility while concealing a depraved private life.Measure for Measure plays on the themes of corruption and purity. The dichotomy between the two are discussed and examined. Unlike some other "problem plays" Measure for Measure does not end in tragedy. Therefore it is most commonly classified as a comedy despite it's questionable tone.
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