When was Measure for Measure first performed?
The earliest recorded performance of Measure for Measure took place on St. Stephen's night, the 26th of December 1604.
Questions about Measure for Measure
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who wrote Measure for Measure and did anyone else contribute to it?
Scholars believe William Shakespeare wrote Measure for Measure during 1603 or 1604, but Gary Taylor and John Jowett argue that Thomas Middleton revised parts of the text after Shakespeare's death.
What is the plot summary of Measure for Measure regarding Angelo and Isabella?
Angelo sentences Claudio to death for fornication and offers to spare him if Isabella yields her virginity, but she refuses and a bed trick occurs where Mariana takes Isabella's place in the dark.
Why do critics classify Measure for Measure as a problem play?
Critics cite Measure for Measure as one of Shakespeare's problem plays because its ambiguous tone features executions and soliloquies that share characteristics with tragic heroes like Prince Hamlet.
How was Measure for Measure adapted during the Restoration period?
Sir William Davenant inserted characters from Much Ado About Nothing into his adaptation called The Law Against Lovers and rehabilitated Angelo so he only tested Isabella's chastity rather than corrupting her.
What sources inspired the story of Measure for Measure?
The play draws on two distinct sources including The Story of Epitia from Cinthio's Gli Hecatommithi first published in 1565 and George Whetstone's 1578 closet drama Promos and Cassandra.