Language is his power. His characters are precisely the words they speak A. S. Byatt A young man is condemned to death for breaking a law forbidding sex outside marriage. When his sister pleads with the Lord Angelo to save him, he offers her a bargain - her brother s life in exchange for her virginity. One of Shakespeare s most enigmatic plays, Measure for Measure is a morally complex drama of intricate moves and countermoves that explores falsehood, justice and humanity s best and basest instincts. Used and Recommended by the National Theatre General Editor Stanley Wells Edited by J. M. Nosworthy Introduction by Julia Briggs