Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

The opening scenes of the play are called the EXPOSITION, where the

dramatist introduces the most significant characters and themes, so

that they can be developed and set up the plot. Describe the means by

which Shakespeare had done this in the first act, and judge how

successful (or not) he has been.

The opening scenes of "Measure for Measure", introduce the most

significant characters in the play and also tend to establish the

relationships between each of them. The plot and the key themes are

introduced giving the reader an idea of what is going to unfold in the

following acts.

Shakespeare has used the opening scene of the play to introduce one of

the key characters. In this first scene, set in Vienna, the Duke

announces to his advisor, Escalus, that he is to leave the country for

reasons, which are un-disclosed to anyone. He decides to leave Angelo,

a trusted friend, standing in his place. This would in effect give

Angelo "absolute power" over the nation, giving him the decision to

dictate who would live or die.

"In our remove be thou at full ourself;

Mortality and mercy in Vienna"

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Duke Vincento Act I Sc I

Angelo is highly respected and held in high regard by both the Duke

and Escalus, this is evident by the way the two both talk of him, to

each other and to Angelo, himself:

"If any in Vienna be of worth

To undergo such ample grace and honour,

It is Lord Angelo"

Escalus Act I Sc I

Angelo appears to be a genuine person, there appear to be no hidden

sides to him, "What You See Is What You Get". Angelo appear...

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... Overall, I do feel that Shakespeare has been successful in creating

good first impressions and introductions of the more significant

characters, Angelo, Lucio and Isabella. All though Isabella is not in

this opening act much, her character ids set up for those later acts,

where she will play a bigger, more significant part. Shakespeare's

introduction of the themes is also done well. The first appears to be

the introduction of power, where the Duke leaves and Angelo is named

as the stand in. The theme of corruption is also brought across well,

using the comic characters, the prostitute, Mistress Overdone and the

pimp, Pompey. As an opening act to a play, I feel that all the

characters and the main themes are introduced well, which helps the

reader to understand the play because they are introduced from the

beginning.