Measure for Measure Gender Quotes Page 4

Page (4 of 4) Quotes: 1 2 3 4

How we cite the quotes:
(Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Riverside edition.

Quote #10

Dear Isabel,
I have a motion much imports your good;
Whereto if you'll a willing ear incline,
What's mine is yours and what is yours is mine.
So, bring us to our palace; where we'll show
What's yet behind, that's meet you all should know

This is one of the most problematic and disturbing endings in Shakespeare's comedies. When the Duke asks Isabella to marry him, we're not sure if we should read this as a welcomed proposal or an unwanted proposition, because Isabella remains completely silent. Is she speechless because she's happy or because she's horrified that yet another powerful man wants to hook up with her?

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