Measure for Measure: Context and Pre Reading | Shakespeare Play by Play Season 1

The video explores Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure', focusing on its characters' desire to escape societal expectations. It discusses the play's classification as a problem play, its historical context, and its modern relevance. Key themes include judgment, reputation, intentions, power, coercion, substitution, and metanarrative. The video encourages viewers to consider these themes while reading the play.

Which character in 'Measure for Measure' is described as wanting to join a strict convent to avoid social interaction?

• Lucio

• An aspiring nun

• Angelo

• The Duke

What is one reason for the renewed interest in 'Measure for Measure' in recent years?

• The popularity of Shakespeare's tragedies

• Social movements like #MeToo

• Its comedic elements

• Its historical accuracy

What biblical book is the title 'Measure for Measure' derived from?

• Revelation

• Psalms

• Matthew

• Genesis

What central theme should readers focus on in Act 2 of 'Measure for Measure'?

• Power and coercion

• Substitution

• Judgment

• Reputation

In the play, what is the Duke's initial action that sets off a series of substitutions?

• He marries a nun

• He writes a new law

• He appoints Angelo to take his place

• He leaves the city

Which theme involves examining the gap between characters' intentions and their realities?

• Judgment

• Substitution

• Reputation

• Intentions vs. Reality

How does the play 'Measure for Measure' encourage readers to view the Duke?

• As a bystander

• As a playwright

• As a hero

• As a villain