#TheBard_ProblemPlays #Troilus_2026 to begin on Jan. 26, 2026!
Shakespeare does the Trojan War, his way, with lovers from rival nations, about 5 years after Romeo & Juliet.
I'll read the Bantam, edited by Bevington.
Hope to read together, #MeasureforMeasure_2025 !
#Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida
Shakespeare does the Trojan War, his way, with lovers from rival nations, about 5 years after Romeo & Juliet.
I'll read the Bantam, edited by Bevington.
Hope to read together, #MeasureforMeasure_2025 !
#Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida
January 16, 2026 at 2:25 PM
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #Troilus_2026 to begin on Jan. 26, 2026!
Shakespeare does the Trojan War, his way, with lovers from rival nations, about 5 years after Romeo & Juliet.
I'll read the Bantam, edited by Bevington.
Hope to read together, #MeasureforMeasure_2025 !
#Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida
Shakespeare does the Trojan War, his way, with lovers from rival nations, about 5 years after Romeo & Juliet.
I'll read the Bantam, edited by Bevington.
Hope to read together, #MeasureforMeasure_2025 !
#Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Pompey:
Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you are
executed, and sleep afterwards.
(IV.3.30-31)
Pompey:
Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you are
executed, and sleep afterwards.
(IV.3.30-31)
January 15, 2026 at 2:59 AM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Pompey:
Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you are
executed, and sleep afterwards.
(IV.3.30-31)
Pompey:
Pray, Master Barnardine, awake till you are
executed, and sleep afterwards.
(IV.3.30-31)
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Duke Vincentio:
O heaven, the vanity of wretched fools!
Give us some seats. Come, cousin Angelo;
In this I'll be impartial; be you judge
Of your own cause.
(V.1.184-187)
Duke Vincentio:
O heaven, the vanity of wretched fools!
Give us some seats. Come, cousin Angelo;
In this I'll be impartial; be you judge
Of your own cause.
(V.1.184-187)
January 18, 2026 at 1:05 AM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Duke Vincentio:
O heaven, the vanity of wretched fools!
Give us some seats. Come, cousin Angelo;
In this I'll be impartial; be you judge
Of your own cause.
(V.1.184-187)
Duke Vincentio:
O heaven, the vanity of wretched fools!
Give us some seats. Come, cousin Angelo;
In this I'll be impartial; be you judge
Of your own cause.
(V.1.184-187)
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Provost:
Here is in our prison a common
executioner, who in his office lacks a helper: if
you will take it on you to assist him, it shall
redeem you from your gyves;
(IV.2.7-10)
1/2
Provost:
Here is in our prison a common
executioner, who in his office lacks a helper: if
you will take it on you to assist him, it shall
redeem you from your gyves;
(IV.2.7-10)
1/2
January 15, 2026 at 2:33 AM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Provost:
Here is in our prison a common
executioner, who in his office lacks a helper: if
you will take it on you to assist him, it shall
redeem you from your gyves;
(IV.2.7-10)
1/2
Provost:
Here is in our prison a common
executioner, who in his office lacks a helper: if
you will take it on you to assist him, it shall
redeem you from your gyves;
(IV.2.7-10)
1/2
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #MeasureforMeasure_2025 Week 3 begins Jan. 9-
The disguised Duke...secretly tells Isabella of a plan to save her brother's life without violating her vow of chastity. [They join forces with Mariana, once engaged to Angelo.] RSC site.
The disguised Duke...secretly tells Isabella of a plan to save her brother's life without violating her vow of chastity. [They join forces with Mariana, once engaged to Angelo.] RSC site.
January 8, 2026 at 4:52 PM
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #MeasureforMeasure_2025 Week 3 begins Jan. 9-
The disguised Duke...secretly tells Isabella of a plan to save her brother's life without violating her vow of chastity. [They join forces with Mariana, once engaged to Angelo.] RSC site.
The disguised Duke...secretly tells Isabella of a plan to save her brother's life without violating her vow of chastity. [They join forces with Mariana, once engaged to Angelo.] RSC site.
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #Measureformeasure_2025 Day 13, 1/7- Act III s1 to line 112 "CLAUDIO. Thou shalt not do it." (116, Folger)
DUKE [as Friar].
So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?
CLAUDIO.
The miserable have no other medicine
But only hope.
DUKE [as Friar].
So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?
CLAUDIO.
The miserable have no other medicine
But only hope.
January 7, 2026 at 12:38 PM
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #Measureformeasure_2025 Day 13, 1/7- Act III s1 to line 112 "CLAUDIO. Thou shalt not do it." (116, Folger)
DUKE [as Friar].
So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?
CLAUDIO.
The miserable have no other medicine
But only hope.
DUKE [as Friar].
So then you hope of pardon from Lord Angelo?
CLAUDIO.
The miserable have no other medicine
But only hope.
Juliet:
“Must die tomorrow? oh injurious Love
That respited me a life, whose very comfort
Is still a dying horror.”
MeasureforMeasure_2025
Not sure why the Friar/Duke thinks Juliet is guiltier than Claudio…
“Must die tomorrow? oh injurious Love
That respited me a life, whose very comfort
Is still a dying horror.”
MeasureforMeasure_2025
Not sure why the Friar/Duke thinks Juliet is guiltier than Claudio…
January 6, 2026 at 1:44 AM
Juliet:
“Must die tomorrow? oh injurious Love
That respited me a life, whose very comfort
Is still a dying horror.”
MeasureforMeasure_2025
Not sure why the Friar/Duke thinks Juliet is guiltier than Claudio…
“Must die tomorrow? oh injurious Love
That respited me a life, whose very comfort
Is still a dying horror.”
MeasureforMeasure_2025
Not sure why the Friar/Duke thinks Juliet is guiltier than Claudio…
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Isabella:
Great men may jest with saints; 'tis wit in them,
But in the less foul profanation.
II.2.157-158)
...
Angelo:
O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook!
(II.2.217-218)
Isabella:
Great men may jest with saints; 'tis wit in them,
But in the less foul profanation.
II.2.157-158)
...
Angelo:
O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook!
(II.2.217-218)
January 4, 2026 at 11:42 PM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Isabella:
Great men may jest with saints; 'tis wit in them,
But in the less foul profanation.
II.2.157-158)
...
Angelo:
O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook!
(II.2.217-218)
Isabella:
Great men may jest with saints; 'tis wit in them,
But in the less foul profanation.
II.2.157-158)
...
Angelo:
O cunning enemy, that, to catch a saint,
With saints dost bait thy hook!
(II.2.217-218)
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #Measureformeasure_2025 Day 11, 1/5- Act II s3
DUKE. Hail to you, provost--so I think you are.
Day 12, 1/6- Act II s4
ANGELO. When I would pray and think, I think and pray (long scene)
(posting two days as I am traveling. thanks!)
DUKE. Hail to you, provost--so I think you are.
Day 12, 1/6- Act II s4
ANGELO. When I would pray and think, I think and pray (long scene)
(posting two days as I am traveling. thanks!)
January 5, 2026 at 2:45 PM
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #Measureformeasure_2025 Day 11, 1/5- Act II s3
DUKE. Hail to you, provost--so I think you are.
Day 12, 1/6- Act II s4
ANGELO. When I would pray and think, I think and pray (long scene)
(posting two days as I am traveling. thanks!)
DUKE. Hail to you, provost--so I think you are.
Day 12, 1/6- Act II s4
ANGELO. When I would pray and think, I think and pray (long scene)
(posting two days as I am traveling. thanks!)
ISABELLA
Yes, I do think that you might pardon him,
And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act II s2 (49-50)
Yes, I do think that you might pardon him,
And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act II s2 (49-50)
January 3, 2026 at 4:20 PM
ISABELLA
Yes, I do think that you might pardon him,
And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act II s2 (49-50)
Yes, I do think that you might pardon him,
And neither heaven nor man grieve at the mercy.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act II s2 (49-50)
I wonder, though, if she doesn't make a strategic error with "Hark how I'll bribe you." Angelo notes "bribe" at once, and while she goes on to say not with gold but with "true prayers," I fear it may be, in part, what leads him to conceive his pernicious proposal... #MeasureforMeasure_2025
January 4, 2026 at 1:50 PM
I wonder, though, if she doesn't make a strategic error with "Hark how I'll bribe you." Angelo notes "bribe" at once, and while she goes on to say not with gold but with "true prayers," I fear it may be, in part, what leads him to conceive his pernicious proposal... #MeasureforMeasure_2025
#TheBard_ProblemPlays Week 2 begins Jan. 2-
It has sometimes been argued that Shakespeare was becoming bored with comedy's conventional happy ending in multiple marriages. Perhaps this is a parody of a comic ending. RSC intro.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
It has sometimes been argued that Shakespeare was becoming bored with comedy's conventional happy ending in multiple marriages. Perhaps this is a parody of a comic ending. RSC intro.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
January 1, 2026 at 7:01 PM
#TheBard_ProblemPlays Week 2 begins Jan. 2-
It has sometimes been argued that Shakespeare was becoming bored with comedy's conventional happy ending in multiple marriages. Perhaps this is a parody of a comic ending. RSC intro.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
It has sometimes been argued that Shakespeare was becoming bored with comedy's conventional happy ending in multiple marriages. Perhaps this is a parody of a comic ending. RSC intro.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
#MeasureForMeasure
Lucio:
...'tis thus
Your brother and his lover have embraced:
As those that feed grow full, as blossoming time
That from the seedness the bare fallow brings
To teeming foison, even so her plenteous womb
Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry.
(I.4.39-44)
foison = a rich harvest
Lucio:
...'tis thus
Your brother and his lover have embraced:
As those that feed grow full, as blossoming time
That from the seedness the bare fallow brings
To teeming foison, even so her plenteous womb
Expresseth his full tilth and husbandry.
(I.4.39-44)
foison = a rich harvest
December 31, 2025 at 12:46 AM
ESCALUS (aside)
Well, heaven forgive him! and forgive us all!
Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act II s1 (37-38)
Well, heaven forgive him! and forgive us all!
Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act II s1 (37-38)
December 31, 2025 at 4:21 PM
ESCALUS (aside)
Well, heaven forgive him! and forgive us all!
Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act II s1 (37-38)
Well, heaven forgive him! and forgive us all!
Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act II s1 (37-38)
DUKE
Now, as fond fathers,
Having bound up the threat’ning twigs of birch,
Only to stick it in their children’s sight
For terror, not to use, in time the rod
Becomes more mocked than feared;
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act I s 3/4 (23-27)
Now, as fond fathers,
Having bound up the threat’ning twigs of birch,
Only to stick it in their children’s sight
For terror, not to use, in time the rod
Becomes more mocked than feared;
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act I s 3/4 (23-27)
December 29, 2025 at 4:55 PM
DUKE
Now, as fond fathers,
Having bound up the threat’ning twigs of birch,
Only to stick it in their children’s sight
For terror, not to use, in time the rod
Becomes more mocked than feared;
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act I s 3/4 (23-27)
Now, as fond fathers,
Having bound up the threat’ning twigs of birch,
Only to stick it in their children’s sight
For terror, not to use, in time the rod
Becomes more mocked than feared;
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
Act I s 3/4 (23-27)
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Duke Vincenzio:
We have strict statutes and most biting laws.
The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds,
Which for this nineteen years we have let slip;
Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave,
That goes not out to prey.
(I.3.19-23) - Arden 3rd
Duke Vincenzio:
We have strict statutes and most biting laws.
The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds,
Which for this nineteen years we have let slip;
Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave,
That goes not out to prey.
(I.3.19-23) - Arden 3rd
December 30, 2025 at 12:39 AM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Duke Vincenzio:
We have strict statutes and most biting laws.
The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds,
Which for this nineteen years we have let slip;
Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave,
That goes not out to prey.
(I.3.19-23) - Arden 3rd
Duke Vincenzio:
We have strict statutes and most biting laws.
The needful bits and curbs to headstrong weeds,
Which for this nineteen years we have let slip;
Even like an o'ergrown lion in a cave,
That goes not out to prey.
(I.3.19-23) - Arden 3rd
CLAUDIO
Thus can the demi-god, Authority,
Make us pay down for our offence by weight.
The words of heaven; on whom it will, it will;
On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
I,2,118-121
#TheBard_ProblemPlays
‚William Shakespeare‘
1795
V&A
Thus can the demi-god, Authority,
Make us pay down for our offence by weight.
The words of heaven; on whom it will, it will;
On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
I,2,118-121
#TheBard_ProblemPlays
‚William Shakespeare‘
1795
V&A
December 28, 2025 at 10:06 AM
CLAUDIO
Thus can the demi-god, Authority,
Make us pay down for our offence by weight.
The words of heaven; on whom it will, it will;
On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
I,2,118-121
#TheBard_ProblemPlays
‚William Shakespeare‘
1795
V&A
Thus can the demi-god, Authority,
Make us pay down for our offence by weight.
The words of heaven; on whom it will, it will;
On whom it will not, so; yet still 'tis just.
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
I,2,118-121
#TheBard_ProblemPlays
‚William Shakespeare‘
1795
V&A
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Lucio:
as for the enjoying of thy life, who I
would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a
game of tick-tack...
Lucio:
as for the enjoying of thy life, who I
would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a
game of tick-tack...
December 28, 2025 at 11:06 PM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Lucio:
as for the enjoying of thy life, who I
would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a
game of tick-tack...
Lucio:
as for the enjoying of thy life, who I
would be sorry should be thus foolishly lost at a
game of tick-tack...
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #MeasureforMeasure_2025 Day 3, 12/28- Act I s3
CLAUDIO. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to th'world?
Bear me to prison, where I am committed.
to
CLAUDIO. Come, officer, away!
CLAUDIO. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to th'world?
Bear me to prison, where I am committed.
to
CLAUDIO. Come, officer, away!
December 28, 2025 at 5:54 PM
#TheBard_ProblemPlays #MeasureforMeasure_2025 Day 3, 12/28- Act I s3
CLAUDIO. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to th'world?
Bear me to prison, where I am committed.
to
CLAUDIO. Come, officer, away!
CLAUDIO. Fellow, why dost thou show me thus to th'world?
Bear me to prison, where I am committed.
to
CLAUDIO. Come, officer, away!
FIRST GENTLEMAN.
Heaven grant us its peace, but not the kIng of Hungary's!
Act I s2 #TheBard_ProblemPlays #Measureformeasure_2025
"peace...Hungary's" plays on the notion of a 'hungry peace', during which jobless soldiers struggled to feed themselves. RSC note.
Heaven grant us its peace, but not the kIng of Hungary's!
Act I s2 #TheBard_ProblemPlays #Measureformeasure_2025
"peace...Hungary's" plays on the notion of a 'hungry peace', during which jobless soldiers struggled to feed themselves. RSC note.
December 27, 2025 at 4:22 PM
FIRST GENTLEMAN.
Heaven grant us its peace, but not the kIng of Hungary's!
Act I s2 #TheBard_ProblemPlays #Measureformeasure_2025
"peace...Hungary's" plays on the notion of a 'hungry peace', during which jobless soldiers struggled to feed themselves. RSC note.
Heaven grant us its peace, but not the kIng of Hungary's!
Act I s2 #TheBard_ProblemPlays #Measureformeasure_2025
"peace...Hungary's" plays on the notion of a 'hungry peace', during which jobless soldiers struggled to feed themselves. RSC note.
Lucio
Grace is grace, despite of all controversy; as for example, thou thyself art a wicked villain, despite of all grace.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
I,2,2-26
William Shakespeare
Arden London 1965
#TheBard_ProblemPlays
Shakespeare
📷 picture alliance
Grace is grace, despite of all controversy; as for example, thou thyself art a wicked villain, despite of all grace.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
I,2,2-26
William Shakespeare
Arden London 1965
#TheBard_ProblemPlays
Shakespeare
📷 picture alliance
December 27, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Lucio
Grace is grace, despite of all controversy; as for example, thou thyself art a wicked villain, despite of all grace.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
I,2,2-26
William Shakespeare
Arden London 1965
#TheBard_ProblemPlays
Shakespeare
📷 picture alliance
Grace is grace, despite of all controversy; as for example, thou thyself art a wicked villain, despite of all grace.
#MeasureforMeasure_2025
I,2,2-26
William Shakespeare
Arden London 1965
#TheBard_ProblemPlays
Shakespeare
📷 picture alliance
DUKE
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do,
Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us, ‘twere all alike
As if we had them not.
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Act I s1 (32-35)
Shakespeare
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do,
Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us, ‘twere all alike
As if we had them not.
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Act I s1 (32-35)
Shakespeare
December 26, 2025 at 5:10 PM
DUKE
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do,
Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us, ‘twere all alike
As if we had them not.
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Act I s1 (32-35)
Shakespeare
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do,
Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues
Did not go forth of us, ‘twere all alike
As if we had them not.
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Act I s1 (32-35)
Shakespeare
January 3, 2026 at 2:19 PM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Duke Vincenzio:
I'll privily away. I love the people,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes:
Though it do well, I do not relish well
Their loud applause and Aves vehement;
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
That does affect it.
(I.1.73-78)
Aves vehement; gross!
Duke Vincenzio:
I'll privily away. I love the people,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes:
Though it do well, I do not relish well
Their loud applause and Aves vehement;
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
That does affect it.
(I.1.73-78)
Aves vehement; gross!
December 27, 2025 at 4:36 AM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Duke Vincenzio:
I'll privily away. I love the people,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes:
Though it do well, I do not relish well
Their loud applause and Aves vehement;
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
That does affect it.
(I.1.73-78)
Aves vehement; gross!
Duke Vincenzio:
I'll privily away. I love the people,
But do not like to stage me to their eyes:
Though it do well, I do not relish well
Their loud applause and Aves vehement;
Nor do I think the man of safe discretion
That does affect it.
(I.1.73-78)
Aves vehement; gross!
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Fun literary synchronicity. I was listening to the book Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch (Rivka Galchen), and one of the witnesses was an executioner's assistant.
Fun literary synchronicity. I was listening to the book Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch (Rivka Galchen), and one of the witnesses was an executioner's assistant.
January 15, 2026 at 2:39 AM
#MeasureForMeasure_2025
Fun literary synchronicity. I was listening to the book Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch (Rivka Galchen), and one of the witnesses was an executioner's assistant.
Fun literary synchronicity. I was listening to the book Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch (Rivka Galchen), and one of the witnesses was an executioner's assistant.