Measure for Measure
Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare is an annotated edition published by Simon and Schuster on July 7, 2020. This 336-page book presents a detailed exploration of one of Shakespeare’s most discussed plays, where a duke temporarily delegates authority to Angelo, who enforces strict laws, leading to moral dilemmas and conflicts involving characters like Claudio and Isabella.
Readers will find a freshly edited text based on early printed versions, accompanied by full explanatory notes and scene-by-scene plot summaries. The edition also includes a key to the play’s notable lines, an introduction to Shakespeare’s language, and an insightful essay by scholar Christy Desmet that offers a contemporary perspective on the themes of governance, morality, and personal autonomy. This edition is designed for both students and general readers, providing a comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities of the play and its relevance to modern discussions around issues such as sexual harassment and individual rights.
Official synopsis Publisher
The authoritative edition of Measure for Measure from The Folger Shakespeare Library, the trusted and widely used Shakespeare series for students and general readers.
Measure for Measure is among the most passionately discussed of Shakespeare’s plays. In it, a duke temporarily removes himself from governing his city-state, deputizing a member of his administration, Angelo, to enforce the laws more rigorously. Angelo chooses as his first victim Claudio, condemning him to death because he impregnated Juliet before their marriage.
Claudio’s sister Isabella, who is entering a convent, pleads for her brother’s life. Angelo attempts to extort sex from her, but Isabella preserves her chastity. The duke, in disguise, eavesdrops as she tells her brother about Angelo’s behavior, then offers to ally himself with her against Angelo.
Modern responses to the play show how it can be transformed by its reception in present culture to evoke continuing fascination. To some, the duke (the government) seems meddlesome; to others, he is properly imposing moral standards. Angelo and Isabella’s encounter exemplifies sexual harassment. Others see a woman’s right to control her body in Isabella’s choice between her virginity and her brother’s life.
This edition includes:
-Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play
-Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play
-Scene-by-scene plot summaries
-A key to the play’s famous lines and phrases
-An introduction to reading Shakespeare’s language
-An essay by a leading Shakespeare scholar providing a modern perspective on the play
-Fresh images from the Folger Shakespeare Library’s vast holdings of rare books
-An annotated guide to further reading
Essay by Christy Desmet
The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare’s printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe. In addition to exhibitions open to the public throughout the year, the Folger offers a full calendar of performances and programs. For more information, visit Folger.edu.
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