Measure for Measure

Drama | William Shakespeare

Brief Questions in Measure For Measure

Brief Questions in Measure For Measure

  • What are the chief sources of Measure for Measure?
Ans: The story comes from Cinthio’s Hecatommithi and Whetstone’s Promos and Cassandra.
  • Whom is Lucio forced to marry?
Ans: Lucio is forced to marry Kate Keepdown, whom he made pregnant.
  • Who replaces Isabella in the “bed-trick” with Angelo?
Ans: Mariana replaces Isabella in the “bed-trick” with Angelo.
  • Who asks Isabella to surrender her body to save her brother’s life?
Ans: Angelo asks Isabella to sacrifice her body to save Claudio.
  • Who says, “We must not make a scarecrow of the law”?
Ans: Angelo says these words.
  • How does Lucio behave toward the Duke in disguise?
Ans: Lucio mocks and criticizes the Duke disguised as a friar.
  • Why does Lucio condemn Angelo?
Ans: Lucio condemns Angelo for being too harsh and severe.
  • Who is Barnardine?
Ans: Barnardine is a prisoner and a murderer.
  • What judgment is passed on Barnardine by the Duke?
Ans: The Duke pardons Barnardine at the end.
  • What is the final judgment on Angelo?
Ans: Angelo is pardoned by the Duke.
  • How does Ragozine die?
Ans: Ragozine dies from a fever.
  • Who says, “An Angelo for Claudio, death for death”?
Ans: The Duke says these words during the trial.
  • What punishment does Lucio suffer?
Ans: Lucio must marry Kate Keepdown and is punished by the Duke.
  • Why does the Duke take the disguise of a friar?
Ans: He disguises himself to observe Angelo’s rule in secret.
  • Why does Claudio fail to marry Juliet?
Ans: Claudio cannot marry Juliet because her dowry is held by relatives.
  1. How does Escalus plead on behalf of Claudio?
Ans: Escalus asks Angelo to show mercy to Claudio.
  • Why are Pompey and Froth arrested by Elbow?
Ans: Pompey is arrested for pimping and Froth for visiting a brothel.
  • What, according to Isabella, is tyrannical for a man of power?
Ans: She says it is tyrannical to misuse power like a giant.
  • How does Isabella define mercy?
Ans: Isabella says mercy suits a ruler better than authority.
  • How does Claudio express his fear of death?
Ans: Claudio fears his body will rot and his soul suffer after death.
  • How was Mariana’s dowry lost?
Ans: Her dowry was lost in a shipwreck.
  • What is the Duke’s plan of the “bed-trick”?
Ans: The Duke plans that Mariana will take Isabella’s place with Angelo.
  • When does the Duke sentence Angelo to death?
Ans: The Duke sentences Angelo after revealing his deceit and cruelty.
  • When does the Duke withdraw Angelo’s death sentence?
Ans: He cancels it when Claudio is shown to be alive.
  • What punishment is imposed upon Lucio by the Duke?
Ans: Lucio must marry Kate Keepdown and is spared from whipping.
  • What judgment is passed upon Claudio by the Duke?
Ans: The Duke forgives Claudio and asks him to marry Juliet.
  • What proposal does the Duke make to Isabella?
Ans: The Duke proposes marriage to Isabella.
  • What is Shakespeare’s message in Measure for Measure?
Ans: Shakespeare teaches that justice must be tempered with mercy.
  • What is the name of the hangman in Measure for Measure?
Ans: His name is Abhorson.
  • What is the literal meaning of the title “Measure for Measure”?
Ans: It means justice for justice, or punishment for sin.
  • Why is Claudio given the death sentence?
Ans: Claudio is punished for making Juliet pregnant before marriage.
  • Whose severed head is shown to Angelo?
Ans: The Provost shows Angelo the head of Ragozine.
  • Whom does Isabella call a “Virgin violator”?
Ans: Isabella calls Angelo a “Virgin violator.”
  • Who is Mistress Overdone?
Ans: Mistress Overdone is a brothel keeper in Vienna.
  • Why is Claudio imprisoned?
Ans: Claudio is jailed for having sex before marriage.
  • Who is appointed the deputy of Duke Vincentio?
Ans: Lord Angelo is made the Duke’s deputy.
  • What type of comedy is Measure for Measure?
Ans: It is a tragi-comedy or problem play.
  • Why was Claudio imprisoned?
Ans: Claudio was imprisoned for fornication with Juliet.
  • How does Isabella threaten Angelo?
Ans: She threatens to expose his evil plan publicly.
  • What is the main theme of Measure for Measure?
Ans: The main theme is justice balanced with mercy.
  • What plea does Isabella make to the Duke?
Ans: She accuses Angelo of deceiving her and breaking his promise. 

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