Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare is often referred to as one of the `Problem Plays', the concluding act is the play's denouement. There is intense emotion in this act as each character is justice or mercy in appropriate measures.

There is a build up of drama as Isabella lets Vienna know what Angelo has done and the duke reveals his part in the proceedings. Angelo also discovers the `bed trick' and that Claudio was never executed. Another feature of the act is the great deal of Anticipation built up by the dramatic irony of the audience knowing what the characters don't.

The setting of a state occasion creates excitement at the start of the act. Isabella is the first to speak to the duke and her first words are full of emotion, this is underlined by her use of repetition:

."..And given me justice, justice, justice, justice...