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alanffm's review against another edition
4.0
Measure for Measure is considered one of Shakespeare's 'problem comedies', and it's clear why that is once you finish reading it. Dark at its core, this play touches upon issues of corruption in law and the venal (and sexual) nature of men. Like Much Ado About Nothing , this play could easily have been a tragedy had it not been for a kind of 'fix-it' character who saves the day. Here, the Duke is that character and plays the role of the moral and ethical overseer - providing good old Christian justice. Like many of the comedies, this play is unrealistic at times, but a great read nonetheless.
anthonyk's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of the best from one of the best
soapiepart's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexual harassment
Minor: Pregnancy
kidicarus's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Easily one of the worst Shakespeare plays I've read. Isabella and Angelo's confrontation was the climax of the story, with about 3 acts of disappointment following it. The ending was especially egregious, with one character essentially deciding everyone's fates with no discussion or reflection on it. I just found this a slog, which is unusual as I'm actually a pretty big Shakespeare fan. He did NOT cook with this one.
sofyy1102's review against another edition
4.0
Fast to read and very entertaining. Really excited to discuss this one in class!
I have conflicting feelings about the Duke, honestly I think he is as bad as Angelo, even though he thinks himself above anyone else. The Duke simply didn't want to dirty his hands by tainting his otherwise "clean" reputation. So Angelo was put in charge.
Angelo is a young, inexperienced man, who is very cold, detached from emotions and "virtuous" -or so did Shakespeare wants us to believe... I don't think he is blameless, after all he blackmailed Isabella in the most horrible of ways. But still, I think his punishment was unfitting.
I supposed Lucio's and Angelo's punishments were considered fitting at the time Measure for Measure was written, nowadays we'd see Lucio's crime as non existing, for he in fact didn't do anything wrong, and he was sentenced to marry someone he had impregnated,to be whipped and hanged afterwards. In my view his punishment should be to indeed marry the poor woman he had slept with, but what would be the point in marrying her and then dying?
Oh Shakespeare.
I have conflicting feelings about the Duke, honestly I think he is as bad as Angelo, even though he thinks himself above anyone else. The Duke simply didn't want to dirty his hands by tainting his otherwise "clean" reputation. So Angelo was put in charge.
Angelo is a young, inexperienced man, who is very cold, detached from emotions and "virtuous" -or so did Shakespeare wants us to believe... I don't think he is blameless, after all he blackmailed Isabella in the most horrible of ways. But still, I think his punishment was unfitting.
I supposed Lucio's and Angelo's punishments were considered fitting at the time Measure for Measure was written, nowadays we'd see Lucio's crime as non existing, for he in fact didn't do anything wrong, and he was sentenced to marry someone he had impregnated,to be whipped and hanged afterwards. In my view his punishment should be to indeed marry the poor woman he had slept with, but what would be the point in marrying her and then dying?
Oh Shakespeare.
tildafin16's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
gaymoonreader's review against another edition
4.0
Thoughts as of 2017:
I am so confused by the end of this play. Like what even happened? This is probably my least favorite Shakespeare play to date because it was just boring and confusing, in my opinion...
Update 2019:
I actually really enjoyed this play the second time around! I thought there were some really funny parts and some really serious topics approached in this play, such as coercion, sexual harassment and rape. While the ending is one of the most over the top ridiculous endings to a play that I’ve read in a while, it was quite entertaining and I am curious as to how this would translate on stage!
I am so confused by the end of this play. Like what even happened? This is probably my least favorite Shakespeare play to date because it was just boring and confusing, in my opinion...
Update 2019:
I actually really enjoyed this play the second time around! I thought there were some really funny parts and some really serious topics approached in this play, such as coercion, sexual harassment and rape. While the ending is one of the most over the top ridiculous endings to a play that I’ve read in a while, it was quite entertaining and I am curious as to how this would translate on stage!