His best play? Ideally see it and then read it but it’s so so good.

Definitely not one of Shakespeare’s strongest. Lucio is pretty funny though. 

Women are very much used as props and objects by men in this show and there’s some pretty unsavory plot devices regarding forcing marriages.

It is however a pretty good display of the hypocrisy often displayed by people in power. 

3.75,
could be 4 but i felt really bad for Isabel and Mariana and Juliet.
this is not one of his popular play. i wouldn’t even know of it if i didn’t happen to see it from a thrift shop. 
It surprised me cuz the plot is good altho in the expense of the women suffering ofc, not surprised in that aspect.

 

This is not one of my favorite Shakespeare plays.  The play delves into the complexities of morality, sex, hypocrisy, and the governing of such behaviors.  At times the play does get sensual and bawdy.  (Which is not really my style of reading.)  I will say that while the play is sensual, it is not uncomfortably so.  Shakespeare leaves a lot to interpretation.  In terms of the cast, none of the characters are particularly likable.  However, they do have a realness to them that you don't always see in this kind of play. I give this play 2 stars.

So problematic on so many levels...maybe that’s why they call it a ‘problem’ play? But I think it may be commenting on the performative aspects of justice. True mercy and justice are lacking, and the characters seem to be the Duke’s puppets as he steps into the role as playwright putting on a performance of justice/mercy for his captive audience. Things are never as they appear, but is all human justice merely a show?

Survivors of sexual abuse may find the subject matter upsetting. Not recommended for children.