Context & Writers Techniques (Edexcel A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes

Context & Writer's Techniques

Context in 'Measure for Measure

Shakespeare's Life

• Born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
• Attended a local grammar school, where he studied Latin and classical texts.
• Moved to London in the late 1580s to pursue a career in theatre.
• Became a prominent playwright and actor by 1592.
• Wrote for the acting troupe Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men.
• Married Anne Hathaway in 1582; had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.
• Hamnet, his only son, died at age 11.
• Died in April 1616 at age 52.

History of the Play

• Written in 1603-1604.

• Likely first performed by the King's Men at the court of King James I on December 26, 1604.

• Initial reception was mixed, with some audiences appreciating its exploration of justice and morality, while others found its themes unsettling.

• Early performances intrigued audiences with its blend of dark comedy and serious themes.

• Adapted and performed in various forms over the centuries, with notable adaptations by Peter Brook (1950) and modern interpretations exploring its relevance to contemporary issues. Textual History

• First Folio (1623): The first printed version of "Measure for Measure" was included in Shakespeare's First Folio.

• No Quarto Versions: Unlike many of Shakespeare's other plays, there were no earlier quarto editions.

• Modern Editions: Modern editions often rely on the First Folio, with editors making decisions on textual emendations and interpretations.

Literary Contexts

The Genre of the Play

• Problem Play: "Measure for Measure" is often classified as a "problem play" due to its blend of dark comedy, serious themes, and ambiguous resolution.

• Comedy: Contains elements of comedy, including misunderstandings, disguises, and a marriage resolution, but also delves into serious moral and ethical issues. Historical and Political Context

• Jacobean Era: Written during the early reign of King James I, reflecting contemporary concerns about governance, justice, and morality.

• Political Unrest: Reflects the tension and political uncertainty of the time, including issues of corruption, law enforcement, and the role of the monarchy.

• Social Justice: Engages with debates about social justice, the enforcement of laws, and the use of mercy versus strict punishment. Philosophical Context

• Renaissance Humanism: Influenced by Renaissance humanism, emphasising the complexity of human nature, morality, and individual responsibility.

• Ethics and Morality: Explores ethical dilemmas and the nature of justice, mercy, and forgiveness, reflecting philosophical debates of the time. Cultural and Social Context

• Social Hierarchy and Class: Reflects the rigid social hierarchy and class distinctions of the time, highlighting issues of power and authority.

• Gender Roles and Patriarchy: Explores the roles and expectations of men and women, particularly through the characters of Isabella and Angelo.

• Virtue and Vice: Central themes of virtue and vice, especially in the context of sexual morality and the use of power.

• Religious Undertones: Reflects the religious climate of the time, with themes of sin, repentance, and redemption playing significant roles.

• Justice and Mercy: Central themes of justice and mercy, particularly in the administration of law and the exercise of power.

• Power and Corruption: Explores the corrupting influence of power and the potential for redemption, particularly through the characters of Angelo and the Duke.

• Hypocrisy and Morality: Critiques hypocrisy and the disparity between public morality and private behaviour, especially in the context of sexual politics. Literary Influences

• Classical Sources: Influenced by works of Roman playwrights such as Seneca and Plautus, especially in the use of moral dilemmas and comedic elements.

• Contemporary Works: Draws on contemporary sources, including George Whetstone's play "Promos and Cassandra" (1578) and Italian novelle.

Writer's Techniques in 'Measure for Measure'

Language and Diction

Verse and Prose

• Blank Verse: Primarily used by noble characters, lending their speech a formal and elevated tone. For example, the Duke and Angelo often speak in blank verse.

• Prose: Utilised by lower-status characters and in more informal, comedic, or intimate scenes, adding realism and variety. Characters like Pompey and Lucio often speak in prose. Imagery and Metaphor

• Light and Dark Imagery: Reflects the themes of morality, justice, and corruption.

• Examples: Angelo's inner corruption is often contrasted with his outward appearance of purity and virtue.

• Religious and Legal Imagery: Used to underscore the play's exploration of justice, mercy, and morality.

• Examples: The frequent use of religious language and imagery by Isabella highlights her moral and spiritual dilemmas. Symbolic Language

• Symbols of Authority: The Duke's disguise and the use of symbols like the "head" in the substitution plot highlight themes of authority and governance.

• Chastity and Corruption: The contrast between Isabella's purity and the corruption around her emphasises the moral conflicts at the heart of the play.

Structure and Plot Devices

Problem Play Structure

• Blending of Genres: The play mixes elements of comedy and tragedy, often referred to as a "problem play" due to its complex moral and ethical issues.

• Five-Act Structure: Follows the traditional five-act structure, with each act contributing to the development and resolution of the central conflicts. Dramatic Irony

• The audience is often aware of information that the characters are not, creating tension and highlighting the play's themes of deception and disguise.

• Examples: The Duke's disguise as Friar Lodowick allows him to manipulate events and characters while remaining hidden.

Substitution and Disguise

• Key plot devices that drive the action and underscore themes of justice and mercy.
• Examples: The bed trick, where Mariana takes Isabella's place, and the Duke's disguise both serve to resolve the play's conflicts and reveal character motivations.

Characterization Techniques

Complex Characters

• Shakespeare develops multifaceted characters whose moral ambiguities reflect the play's themes.

• Duke Vincentio: A complex figure who manipulates events from behind the scenes, embodying both justice and mercy.

• Angelo: A hypocritical and morally rigid character whose fall from grace highlights the play's exploration of human frailty and corruption. Soliloquies and Asides

• These provide insight intthe o characters' inner thoughts and moral dilemmas.

• Examples: Angelo's soliloquies reveal his internal struggle with his lust for Isabella and his hypocritical nature.

• Isabella's Soliloquies: Offer a window into her moral and spiritual conflicts, particularly regarding her chastity and her brother's life. Dynamic Interactions

• The interactions between characters, especially in moments of moral or ethical conflict, are pivotal to the play's dramatic tension.

• Examples: The confrontations between Isabella and Angelo are charged with moral and sexual tension, highlighting the power dynamics at play.

Dramatic Techniques

Irony and Paradox

• Shakespeare employs irony and paradox to underscore the play's themes of justice, morality, and hypocrisy.

• Examples: The paradox of Angelo's strict enforcement of morality laws while hf succumbs to immoral desires. Symbolism and Motifs

• Disguise and Deception: Central motifs that drive the plot and highlight themes of appearance versus reality.

• Justice and Mercy: Explored through the actions and decisions of the Duke, Angelo, and Isabella. Catharsis and Resolution

• Catharsis: The resolution of the play's conflicts provides a sense of catharsis, as justice is ultimately served and mercy is granted.

• Complex Resolution: The play's ending leaves some questions unresolved, reflecting its status as a problem play and inviting the audience to ponder the moral issues presented.

Sound and Rhythm

Alliteration and Assonance

• Shakespeare uses alliteration and assonance to enhance the musicality and emotional impact of the dialogue.
• Examples: The rhythmic quality of Isabella's speeches emphasises her moral fervour and emotional intensity.

Stagecraft and Theatricality

Visual Spectacle

• Shakespeare's stage directions and descriptions create powerful visual spectacles, such as the Duke's public trials and the various scenes of disguise.

• Effect: These elements enhance the dramatic impact and underscore the play's exploration of authority and justice. Use of Props and Costumes

• Props and costumes play a significant role in the play's theatricality, especially in scenes of disguise and substitution.

• Examples: The Duke's friar's habit and the bed trick involving Mariana are key elements that drive the plot and symbolise the themes of deception and justice.