Act 2, Scene 4 Summary

Angelo, in soliloquy, admits he cannot stop thinking about Isabella. She arrives, as directed by Angelo the day before. She asks if Angelo has changed his mind. He answers that Claudio must die. Isabella turns to leave when Angelo says that Claudio might live a little longer. He asks if she would rather see her brother die, or give up her body in the same way her brother did to save him. Isabella says she would never give up her body in such a way because she would also be giving up her soul. Her brother would only lose his physical life, while she would lose her eternal life. Angelo admits to Isabella that he loves her, and promises to let Claudio live if she will give him love. Isabella refuses and threatens to tell everyone of his proposition and ruin...