In “Measure for Measure,” the Duke leaves Angelo in charge as his deputy.
The Duke of Vienna, Vincentio, announces that he must leave the city and appoints Angelo to exercise authority during his absence. Angelo is known for his strict moral standards and uncompromising attitude toward law. The Duke secretly remains nearby, disguised as a friar, so he can observe how Angelo governs.
Angelo quickly revives a neglected statute against sexual relations outside marriage and sentences Claudio to death because Claudio has impregnated Juliet before their marriage. Claudio’s sister Isabella pleads for his life, but Angelo then abuses his power by demanding sexual access to her in exchange for mercy.
The deputy’s role creates the play’s central conflict between justice, mercy, and hypocrisy. Angelo insists on enforcing laws against others while privately violating the moral principles he claims to uphold. Escalus serves as a senior adviser and supports the administration, but he is not the Duke’s appointed deputy.
The play was printed in the First Folio as a comedy, although its grim subject matter, moral uncertainty, and serious tone have led critics to call it one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays.”