Shakespeare in Perspective: "Two Gentleman of Verona", Introduction (03:27)

FREE PREVIEW

Russell Davies explains that William Shakespeare never visited Verona or he would have known that Verona is a landlocked city. At Cambridge University, May Week takes place in June. Contemporaries of Shakespeare studied love and courtship.

"Two Gentleman of Verona": Act I, Scene 1 (02:39)

Watch a scene where Valentine bids farewell to Proteus. Valentine is headed to the court of the Duke of Milan. Antonio and Panthino discuss Proteus' future.

"Two Gentleman of Verona": Act I, Scene 2 (03:02)

Proteus is in love with Julia. Davies explains how all of the tokens of love are delivered by proxy in the play and the female characters seem more multi-dimensional than the men. Julia regrets tearing up Proteus' love letter before reading it.

"Two Gentleman of Verona": Act III, Scene 1 (05:03)

Launce and Speed believe that courtly love is a privilege of only the wealthy. The clownish servants itemize the vices of Launce's intended. Watch a scene where Launce offers to take a whipping on behalf of his dog, Crab.

"Two Gentleman of Verona": Act II, Scene 1 (02:46)

Davies describes how the play carries similar themes and plot devices as "Romeo and Juliet." Silvia gives back Valentine's love letter because he misinterpreted her request. When Proteus arrives in Milan, he also falls in love with Silvia and tells the Duke that Valentine and Sylvia plan to elope.

"Two Gentleman of Verona": Act IV, Scene 2 (03:14)

Julia disguises herself as a pageboy. Watch the scene where Proteus sings a love song to Silvia while Julia observes. This song is considered the best part of the play.

"Two Gentleman of Verona": Conclusion (03:05)

Samuel Johnson and William Hazlitt criticized the play. Davies explains why the last scene of the play is the most cumbersome portion of the play. When Valentine accepts Proteus' apology, he offers Silvia to his best friend.

Credits: Shakespeare in Perspective: Two Gentleman of Verona (00:36)

Credits: Shakespeare in Perspective: Two Gentleman of Verona