The work was first performed in 1604 and belongs to Shakespeare's so-called 'melancholic comedies' because it contains many dramatic elements, moral lessons, comedic interventions, and a happy ending.

The main theme is the treachery of state power and the corruption of people when they take on public positions. Angelo, the Duke of Vienna's commissioner, condemns Claudio to death for dishonoring a girl. Isabella, Claudio's sister, pleads with Angelo to spare her brother's life, but Angelo demands that she sleeps with him in return.

With the intervention of the Duke of Vienna, the play leads to a happy ending. This comedy by Shakespeare has a captivating structure and a variety of serious and comical characters, and its hot topic remains relevant to this day.

All 37 plays of William Shakespeare, translated by Henri Belier, are published by Kedros Editions, a successful series that has proven its worth in the theatrical publishing production of the country.