Reviews

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

books_at_noon's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced

4.0

gaymoonreader's review against another edition

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4.0

Thoughts as of 2017:
I am so confused by the end of this play. Like what even happened? This is probably my least favorite Shakespeare play to date because it was just boring and confusing, in my opinion...

Update 2019:
I actually really enjoyed this play the second time around! I thought there were some really funny parts and some really serious topics approached in this play, such as coercion, sexual harassment and rape. While the ending is one of the most over the top ridiculous endings to a play that I’ve read in a while, it was quite entertaining and I am curious as to how this would translate on stage!

anneschrock's review against another edition

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3.0

my fav quotes from sassy shakespeare:
your bum is the greatest thing about you (2.1)
for the benefit of silence, would thou wert so too (5.1)

baz46's review against another edition

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funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

lattelibrarian's review against another edition

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4.0

The themes in this play are so poignant that this often-referred-to-as-comedy ends in a very dark way. None of the characters are especially likeable, but if you're like me, that's awesome.

k13raz's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

yak_attak's review against another edition

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3.5

Measure for Measure presents a very interesting political scenario, populates it with interesting, memorable characters, and bears it out through to the conclusion, and in that manner ends up being one of the more straightforward of the bard's ouvre. I don't mean to say that there aren't disguises or deceptions, it's still Shakespeare, but oddly there's hardly a side plot, or scene that doesn't push the main drive forward.

On one hand, this means it's a much more streamlined and simply play than many, and could serve as a great introduction - there's also a *lot* to discuss when it comes to the play's (machiavellian?) Duke, who abdicates seemingly in order to set up his successor to fuck up, toying with (and helping out) with a number of people in the process. On the other hand, it also ends up being feeling a bit empty, one-note, less rich than its brethren. Still a good one, and worth your time.

hxxgrrrl's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

lexi_styles's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.5

whosthehereticnow's review against another edition

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2.0

Far from being my favorite Shakespeare play, though I can't exactly say why it frustrated me so much. As scholars have proposed, the Folio edition is a rough draft, and it seems evidently so why. The language was a bit too convoluted, the pacing awkward, and the characters a bit one-dimensional. I might change my mind upon second read, but who's to say?