Measure for Measure Lesson Plan

Discuss the significance of Escalus agreeing with the Duke that the Duke would not be a good leader for cleaning up Vienna.

Escalus's agreement is significant because it sets a tone from the outset that the Duke's goals conflict with his methods and persona, and that this is well-known. As the play will progress, this will be a common motif in the Duke's interactions with others. It will become obvious that the Duke is often unwilling or unable to enact the changes he wishes to see without some kind of deceit or manipulation of others, and while he may seem to be being prudent here, it is not actually a sign of prudence as much as it is a sign of his inability.

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