Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

The Provost asks Angelo if he really wants Claudio executed. The Provost does not think Claudio deserves it, and warns Angelo that he may come to regret the order later. Angelo assures him he wants Claudio executed. Angelo orders Juliet taken somewhere she can give birth since she is in labour.

Isabella enters and begs for Claudio's life even though she abhors the crime he has committed. Angelo continues to deny her request, while Lucio encourages Isabella to continue trying. She raises a number of arguments such as that without Christ's mercy they are all sinners and would not go to heaven, no one has been hurt by his crime, no- one else has ever died for the same offence, and accuses Angelo of using his power as a tyrant would. Both Lucio and the Provost quietly cheer Isabella on as...