by Amy Szerlong
Act IV, Scene 1
Exposition:
( Everyone knows both of these)
- Duke still in disguise
- Isabella has gone to Angelo and agreed to "see him" in the garden that night (This needs clarification, those characters who know about the proposition know – Duke, Angelo, Isabella – but Angelo does not know he isn’t actually meeting Isabella)
Forwards:
- Isabella has gone to Angelo and agreed to "see him" in the garden that night (This is also a forward because of the fact that she agrees to meet him in the garden. This ensures darkness so the switch can occur.)
- Mariana agrees to take part in the switch as long as the "friar" thinks its ok. (Again, this allows the switch to take place and the plan to ruin Angelo to move ahead.)
Act IV, Scene 2
Exposition
- Duke still dressed like a friar
- Provost looking for an assistant for the executioner, promises whichever prisoner who agrees their freedom (prisoners know)
- Pompey agrees to help executioner (prisoner’s know)
- Angelo sends a message asking for Claudio's head on a platter by 5 (Provost, prison guards and Duke knows)
Forwards
- Angelo sends a message asking for Claudio's head on a platter by 5 (This confirms the Duke's suspicion that Angelo would still not let Claudio go, even with Isabella following through with her part of the bargain. Also, it raises the stakes for Claudio's survival.)
- Duke convinces the provost to kill the other prisoner and give HIS head on a platter to Angelo, as Angelo will probably be unable to tell the difference. (This extends the time needed for the Duke to return and pardon Claudio.)
- The prisoner refuses to be executed. (This throws a wrench in the works€¦)
- They give the head of a pirate instead. (New solution to an old problem)