A police officer, often charged with enforcing sex laws. Dull and prone to speaking in malapropisms (i.e. saying words that don't mean what he thinks they do), Elbow is a humorous character and serves as a sharp contrast to Pompey, depicting the law as somewhat less clever than those who break it.
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The timeline below shows where the character Elbow appears in Measure for Measure. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Act 2, Scene 1
...and forgive us all!” he says; “Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall." Elbow, the constable, enters, escorting Pompey and another man affiliated with the brothel, Froth. Angelo asks...
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Pompey takes advantage of Elbow's dull wits and confuses the constable to steer the interrogation off course. Angelo remarks that...
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Pompey leaves, and Escalus asks Elbow to give him the names of other policemen who might be capable of enforcing the...
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Act 3, Scene 2
Outside the prison, the Duke, still disguised, speaks with Elbow and other constables who have detained Pompey. He asks Elbow what crime Pompey is guilty...
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