Measure for Measure vs The Taming of the Shrew: Which Should You Read?
Both live on shelves: English Young adult drama, Problems, English drama, Drama, History, Fiction
Measure for Measure
“Measure for Measure is one of the best of Shakespeare's plays, though it has not always received the appreciation it deserves.”
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This play examines the nature of mercy and justice, proposing that a good government is one that is flexible and based on common sense.
The Taming of the Shrew
“CHRISTOPHER SLY for a range of sly's manifestations, see Introduction pp. 51-64.”
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This play within a play is a delightful farce about a fortune hunter who marries and tames" the town shrew. The comedy, often produced today because of its accessibility, is one of the plays Shakespeare intended for the…
Side by side
The verdict
- Ratings are close across the board — any is a safe pick by score.
- The Taming of the Shrew has the widest readership — 183652 ratings behind its score.
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How to choose
Scores by source
| Measure for Measure | The Taming of the Shrew | |
|---|---|---|
| Goodreads | 3.7 (32174) | 3.7 (183652) |
| Hardcover | 3.5 (58) | 3.6 (212) |
| Apple Books | 4.5 (23) | 4.0 (47) |
| LiveLib | — | 4.2 (3552) |
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Reception
| Measure for Measure | The Taming of the Shrew | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | 32174 | 183652 |
| Editions | 317 | 1126 |
| Film adaptations | 1 | 1 |
| Want to read | 19584 | 76789 |
| Reading it now | — | 3123 |
| Written reviews | 2046 | 6441 |
| Wikipedia attention | 7583 | 29172 |
| Pages | 222 | 120 |
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Questions readers ask
Which is rated higher: Measure for Measure or The Taming of the Shrew?
The Taming of the Shrew has the higher combined reader rating across sources (The Taming of the Shrew 3.7/5, Measure for Measure 3.7/5).
Which is shorter to read: Measure for Measure or The Taming of the Shrew?
The Taming of the Shrew is the quickest read. Estimated at 225 words per minute: The Taming of the Shrew (120 pages, ≈ 2 h 13 m); Measure for Measure (222 pages, ≈ 4 h 07 m).
Which is harder to read: Measure for Measure or The Taming of the Shrew?
Estimated difficulty, based on era, reader shelves and length — Measure for Measure: Demanding; The Taming of the Shrew: Demanding.
Have both books been made into films?
Measure for Measure: no film adaptation on record; The Taming of the Shrew: 5 film adaptations.