Measure for Measure passions essay plan

Last updated: 15/11/2023
Contributor: Teachit team
Measure for Measure passions essay plan
Main Subject
Key stage
Category
English
Resource type
Student activity
Author
William Shakespeare
Title
Measure for Measure

A supportive and structured resource ideal for KS5 English Literature students who are studying Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare. The resource helpfully guides students through the different ways Shakespeare constructs the passions and principles of the play's characters.

The essay title is based on an important quotation:

Explore the way in which Shakespeare's characters 'act and speak by the influence of those general passions and principles by which all minds are agitated.' (Dr Johnson)

Browse additional resources in the Measure for Measure KS5 Shakespeare section. 

A sample extract from the resource:

Explore the way in which Shakespeare’s characters ‘act and speak by the influence of those general passions and principles by which all minds are agitated.’ (Dr. Johnson)

Use the following outline to help you construct a well-developed and analytical line of argument in response to the question. Use evidence from the text to support your ideas.

  1. Introduction
  • Measure for Measure revolves around opposite forces:  desire and restraint, punishment and mercy, sense and reason.
  • The play opens with a city consumed by vice, lawlessness and ‘too much liberty.’
  • The plot is set in motion by the temporary removal of a Duke and the appointment of a stricter and more severe deputy, Angelo, who stands for restraint and harsh justice.
  • It is the tension caused by this transfer of power and a harsher approach by the law toward the vice of the city that causes the chief drama of the play - also of temptation of more restrained characters towards the freedom and sexuality of Vienna.

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

5

5