The varied artistic approaches presented in this book reflect the interpretations and visions Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Some "illustrate" literal scenes from the text; others more metaphorically interpret the central themes of the text or wrestle with the moral questions raised by the implications of judging-or not judging-the actions of another. Although a few artists engaged the densely rich humor of Measure for Measure, more focused on the darker issues raised by this problematic comedy: the role of an apparently just Duke who nonetheless deceives his subjects; the malevolent Angelo who seems never to recognize his own hypocrisy. Most were attracted by Isabella's central conflict: should she redeem her brother's life by sacrificing her own virginity?