‘Craft Against Vice’: A Conclusion in Which Little is Concluded

Abstract

The finale of Measure for Measure takes place in the open air near the gates of Vienna with the people of the city in attendance. Whereas many earlier scenes in the play have been set in confined spaces — private chambers, a moated grange, a prison, a nunnery — the action has now been opened out physically at the same time as men’s private behaviour is being publically revealed. The previously retiring Duke will conclude his examination of the workings of justice under the scrutiny of the crowd and to the sound of trumpets.