Context (OCR A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes
Context
Shakespeare's life
William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England in April 1564. During his early education at a local grammar school, he studied Latin and classical texts, which would later influence his writing. In the late 1580s, Shakespeare relocated to London to pursue his theatrical career, and by 1592 he had established himself as both a prominent playwright and actor.
Shakespeare's professional career was closely linked to the acting troupe known as the Lord Chamberlain's Men, which later became the King's Men. This connection proved crucial to his success and the performance of his works. In his personal life, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582, and together they had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.
Tragically, his only son Hamnet died at the young age of eleven, an event that may have influenced the darker themes in some of his later works. This personal loss occurred in 1596, during a period when Shakespeare was writing some of his most profound tragedies.
Shakespeare himself died in April 1616 at the age of 52.
History of the play
Composition and first performance
Measure for Measure was composed during 1603-1604, a period early in the reign of King James I. The play was likely first performed by the King's Men at the court of King James I on 26 December 1604, making it one of the early works to be staged under the new monarch's patronage.
The initial reception of the play was somewhat divided. Whilst some audience members valued its thoughtful exploration of justice and morality, others found the play's themes disturbing and uncomfortable. Early performances captivated audiences with the work's unusual combination of dark comedy alongside serious moral questions.
Over the centuries, Measure for Measure has been adapted and performed in various forms. Notable productions include Peter Brook's 1950 adaptation, and numerous modern interpretations have examined how the play's themes remain relevant to contemporary social and political issues.
Textual history
The First Folio, published in 1623, contained the first printed version of Measure for Measure. Unlike many of Shakespeare's other works, no earlier quarto editions of this play exist, which means scholars have fewer sources to compare when establishing the definitive text.
Modern editions typically rely on the First Folio as their primary source, though editors must make decisions about textual amendments and interpretations where the original text may be unclear or potentially corrupted. This makes Measure for Measure one of the more challenging Shakespeare plays to establish with textual certainty.
Literary contexts
The genre of the play
Measure for Measure is frequently classified as a problem play, a category that reflects its distinctive blend of dark comedy, serious themes, and ambiguous resolution. This classification acknowledges that the play doesn't fit neatly into traditional genre categories.
What makes it a "problem play"?
Whilst Measure for Measure contains typical comedic elements such as misunderstandings, disguises, and a resolution involving marriage, the work also examines serious moral and ethical questions that give it a darker, more complex character than straightforward comedy. The term "problem play" was coined by critics to describe works that resist simple categorization and present audiences with uncomfortable moral dilemmas rather than clear-cut solutions.
Historical and political context
The play was written during the Jacobean Era, specifically in the early years of King James I's reign. This timing is significant because the work reflects contemporary anxieties about governance, justice, and morality that were particularly relevant during this period of transition from Elizabeth I to James I.
Measure for Measure mirrors the political tension and uncertainty of its time. The play engages with pressing issues including corruption within the state, problems with law enforcement, and questions about the proper role of the monarchy. These weren't merely abstract concerns but reflected real debates occurring in Jacobean England.
The play also participates in broader discussions about social justice, particularly examining how laws should be enforced and whether rulers should favour mercy or strict punishment. These themes would have resonated with contemporary audiences familiar with debates about justice reform and the exercise of royal authority.
Philosophical context
Shakespeare's work was influenced by Renaissance humanism, a philosophical movement that emphasised the complexity of human nature, questions of morality, and the importance of individual responsibility. This intellectual framework encouraged writers to explore characters as multifaceted beings capable of both virtue and vice.
The play thoroughly explores ethical dilemmas concerning the nature of justice, mercy, and forgiveness. These weren't simply plot devices but reflected serious philosophical debates occurring during the Renaissance period about how individuals and states should navigate moral questions.
Cultural and social context
The rigid social hierarchy and class distinctions of early seventeenth-century England are reflected throughout Measure for Measure. The play highlights how issues of power and authority were intimately connected to one's social position, and it examines the tensions this created.
Central Themes of the Play:
Two central themes emerge from this social context: justice and mercy. The play investigates how these principles should operate in the administration of law and the exercise of power. Shakespeare presents these not as simple opposites but as complex, sometimes competing values that rulers must balance.
Power and corruption form another crucial theme. Through characters like Angelo and the Duke, Shakespeare explores how power can corrupt individuals whilst also examining whether redemption remains possible for those who abuse their authority. This theme had particular relevance in an era when monarchs wielded considerable personal power.
The play offers a sharp critique of hypocrisy and morality, particularly examining the gap between public morality and private behaviour. This is especially evident in the context of sexual politics, where characters who publicly advocate strict moral standards may privately engage in the very behaviours they condemn. This theme explores the nature of virtue and vice, particularly concerning sexual morality and the use of power.
Additionally, the work reflects the religious climate of the period. Themes of sin, repentance, and redemption play significant roles in the narrative, mirroring the religious concerns and debates that characterised Jacobean society.
Gender roles and patriarchy
Measure for Measure examines the roles and expectations placed on men and women in early modern England. The characters of Isabella and Angelo particularly illuminate these gender dynamics, with Isabella's struggle to maintain her virtue whilst navigating a patriarchal power structure forming a central conflict in the play.
The play's exploration of gender roles is particularly significant because it reveals how women's agency was constrained by patriarchal institutions, yet also shows how characters like Isabella exercise moral authority even within these restrictive structures. This tension between constraint and agency remains one of the play's most compelling aspects for modern audiences.
Literary influences
Shakespeare drew inspiration from both classical and contemporary sources when composing Measure for Measure. The play shows the influence of Roman playwrights such as Seneca and Plautus, particularly in its use of moral dilemmas and comedic elements.
More directly, Shakespeare drew on contemporary works including George Whetstone's play Promos and Cassandra (1578) and various Italian novelle. These sources provided narrative frameworks that Shakespeare transformed through his own dramatic vision and thematic concerns.
Key Points to Remember:
- Measure for Measure was written in 1603-1604 during the early Jacobean era and reflects contemporary concerns about governance, justice, and morality.
- The play is classified as a problem play due to its blend of dark comedy, serious themes, and ambiguous resolution.
- Key themes include justice versus mercy, power and corruption, hypocrisy and morality, and the exploration of gender roles within a patriarchal society.
- The work was influenced by Renaissance humanism and drew on both classical sources (Seneca, Plautus) and contemporary works (Whetstone's Promos and Cassandra).
- Understanding the historical, philosophical, and cultural contexts enriches your interpretation of the play's complex moral questions and character motivations.