Evaluate Shakespeare’s characterisation of Isabella and Angelo in Act II Scene IV of “Measure For Measure”, showing how this is used to develop already established contexts and present any new ones. Refer back to previous scenes.

As this scene opens, we are shown Angelo speaking alone in a room in his house. Shakespeare’s intention behind this setting was probably to offer us some vital insight into the current state of mind of Angelo, allowing us to analyse his thought process throughout the remainder of this vital scene. As a result, it is important that this scene is staged with the intention of revealing various elements of his character to the audience. This could be achieved by having him sat at a desk, under a spotlight, gazing objectively into space whilst speaking his lines. The main theme that comes across through this soliloquy is that of a contrast between good and evil. This is significant, as it lays the foundation of the conflict that we are about to see unfold between Angelo and Isabella. In this typically Shakespearian display of foreshadowing, the main point of Angelo’s speech is not easy to depict, though if we consider the scene as a whole, the context soon becomes clear. He is effective...