<P> Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare , believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604 . Originally published in the First Folio of 1623 , where it was listed as a comedy , the play 's first recorded performance occurred in 1604 . The play 's main themes include justice , `` mortality and mercy in Vienna , '' and the dichotomy between corruption and purity : `` some rise by sin , and some by virtue fall . '' Mercy and virtue prevail , as the play does not end tragically , with virtues such as compassion and forgiveness being exercised at the end of the production . While the play focuses on justice overall , the final scene illustrates that Shakespeare intended for moral justice to temper strict civil justice : a number of the characters receive understanding and leniency , instead of the harsh punishment to which they , according to the law , could have been sentenced . </P>
<P> Measure for Measure is a play by William Shakespeare , believed to have been written in 1603 or 1604 . Originally published in the First Folio of 1623 , where it was listed as a comedy , the play 's first recorded performance occurred in 1604 . The play 's main themes include justice , `` mortality and mercy in Vienna , '' and the dichotomy between corruption and purity : `` some rise by sin , and some by virtue fall . '' Mercy and virtue prevail , as the play does not end tragically , with virtues such as compassion and forgiveness being exercised at the end of the production . While the play focuses on justice overall , the final scene illustrates that Shakespeare intended for moral justice to temper strict civil justice : a number of the characters receive understanding and leniency , instead of the harsh punishment to which they , according to the law , could have been sentenced . </P>
what type of play is measure for measure
what type of play is measure for measure
comedy
comedy