are a perfect match for each other. However, it is not likely that the idea of their union is even a consideration for the audience until the utmost end of the play. This is the point where the Duke asks for Isabella's hand in marriage (5.1.555). The fact that Isabella is almost ready to become a nun, and perhaps her strong moral stance against extramarital sex, creates a sort of screen for her sexuality. Yet the fact that Angelo is so strongly drawn to her suggests that in addition to her apparent moral purity she is quite attractive (2.4). But because of her chosen profession and her vehement denial of his advances, it is difficult to imagine her as a willing sexual partner, and hence marital partner, for anybody.
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