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Measure for Measure facts for kids

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FirstFolioMeasure
A page from the First Folio, where Measure for Measure was first printed.

Measure for Measure is a famous play written by William Shakespeare. It is known as a comedy, but it also has some serious parts. Shakespeare might have gotten the idea for this play from an older story called Promos and Cassandra by George Whetstone. The play was probably first performed around December 24, 1606. It was first printed in a special collection of Shakespeare's plays called the First Folio in 1623.


What is Measure for Measure About?

A Duke's Clever Plan

The story takes place in Vienna. The Duke of Vienna, named Vincentio, decides to leave his city. He pretends to go on a trip. But really, he stays in Vienna in disguise. He wants to see how his city is being run. He also wants to see if his deputy, Angelo, will do a good job.

Angelo's Strict Rules

The Duke gives all his power to Angelo. Angelo is known for being very strict. He immediately starts enforcing old laws that were not used much. One of these laws is very harsh. It says that people who have children before marriage should be punished severely.

Claudio's Trouble

A young man named Claudio is arrested. He is accused of breaking this old law. Angelo orders that Claudio be put to death. Claudio's sister, Isabella, is very upset. She is about to become a nun. She goes to Angelo to beg for her brother's life.

Isabella's Difficult Choice

Isabella pleads with Angelo to show mercy. Angelo, however, makes a terrible offer. He says he will spare Claudio's life. But only if Isabella agrees to something wrong. Isabella refuses this unfair deal. She tells her brother Claudio about it. Claudio is scared and at first wants Isabella to agree. But then he realizes it is wrong.

The Duke's Return

The Duke, still in disguise, hears about all these problems. He decides to step in. He comes up with a clever plan to help Isabella and Claudio. He arranges for a different person to take Claudio's place. This way, Claudio's life is saved without Isabella having to do anything wrong.

Justice and Forgiveness

In the end, the Duke reveals himself. He makes sure that Angelo is punished for his unfair actions. He also makes sure that justice is served for everyone. The play ends with a sense of balance and forgiveness. It shows how important it is to be fair and merciful.

Characters in the Play

  • Duke Vincentio: The wise ruler of Vienna. He pretends to leave to see how his city is managed.
  • Angelo: The Duke's strict deputy. He is given power and enforces harsh laws.
  • Isabella: A kind and brave young woman. She is Claudio's sister and is training to be a nun.
  • Claudio: Isabella's brother. He is arrested under Angelo's strict new rules.
  • Mariana: A woman who was once engaged to Angelo. She helps the Duke with his plan.
  • Pompey and Froth: Funny characters who work in the city's less respectable places. They add humor to the play.

When Was It Written?

Historians believe Measure for Measure was written around 1603 or 1604. It was first performed a few years later. The play was first printed in the First Folio in 1623. This book collected almost all of Shakespeare's plays.

Themes in the Play

Measure for Measure explores many important ideas. It looks at justice and mercy. It asks if laws should always be followed strictly. It also explores what happens when people have power. The play suggests that leaders should be fair and understanding. It shows that sometimes, forgiveness is more important than strict punishment.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Medida por medida para niños

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