This play depicts a morally corrupt world where the desire for justice is contaminated by the obsession for revenge. The characters take pleasure in watching adultery, incest and murder. The play's chief moral spokesman, Vindice, is at the same time enamoured of and disgusted by, the luxury of the court.

Locating the play in relation to the best recent criticism, and exploring its complexities with a contemporary eye, furthers the reputation of these comprehensive student editions.