Shakespeare, Measure for Measure
Author: ShakespeareShakespeare
Shakespeare
Timeline of Life
1485 - end of War of Roses
1533 - Queen Elizabeth begins reign
1564 - Wm Shakespeare born on Stratford upon Avon
1575 - Wm saw world-class plays at Kennelworth Castle
1577 - John Shakespeare (father & mayor) falls apart financially & socially
1581 - becomes a player by now
1582 - Wm marries Anne Hathaway
1584 - 3 children born by now
1588 - Wm moved to London by now
1596 - Wm renews app for dad's coat of arms
1600 - all the other playwrights leave London ...
Summary
The Duke, noticing that he had not been executing the law well enough, temporarily gave over his power to his trusted man Angelo, telling him that he was going on a long trip. In reality, the Duke went undercover in his own land as a friar. Angelo immediately began prosecuting the law, bringing a man Claudio to jail for adultery. As punishment, Claudio was to be hung. Claudio's sister Isabella went to Angelo and asked him for a pardon, which Angelo agreed to grant, if Isabella would sleep with him. Isabella refused. The Duke overheard, and suggested a plan to Isabella. Unknown to Angelo, Angelo's formerly sworn fiance went to him that night pretending to be Isabella. However, Angelo still ordered Claudio executed. The Duke stayed the execution and publicly brought justice to Angelo, who was as guilty as Claudio. Thus Claudio was saved and honor was kept.