Anthony Caputi and Gregory W. Lanier tackle the problem of locating unity in a playas complex as Measure for Measure. Both assert that any consistent pattern to the play depends on its structure. Caputi, for example, remarks that while themes such as Christian ethics, atonement, and mercy run through the play, none of them is expansive enough to unify all 0 the dramatic plots and subplots. Further, Caputi argues that Shakespeare intentionally scattered his major characters "irregularly" in order to indicate that character development was not the central issue in the play. Caputi notes that what stands out in Measure for Measure is the unusual structure of the acts and scenes: while some are filled with action, others- particularly Act V-level out to long stretches of conversation. Caputi suggests that Shakespeare relied on the long conversational scenes to give his audience time to reflect on his principal focus-...