Episode 2 - The Two Gentlemen of Verona

We begin our look at the plays of Shakespeare with the one that was possibly performed first: The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Imbued with all the hallmarks of Shakespearean comedy - crossdressing heroines, witty wordplay, making fun of the peasantry - it also has several features that didn't age as well. Most notably is the controversial ending of the play, which feels not only rushed, but downright chilling in its treatment of women.

Join us for our look at the two bros of Verona, and their accompanying women. Stay for the hurried plot synopsis, analysis of the characters and language, and a few thoughts about how this early work ties into the larger Shakespeare canon.

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Notes: 

• This week's "Marriage Counseling" (final name to be confirmed) features two different takes on Valentine's lines from Act 5, Scene 4:

By penitence th’ Eternal’s wrath’s appeased.
And that my love may appear plain and free,
All that was mine in Sylvia I give thee.

 

The text itself is not super clear on what this means, so Lindsay and I took it upon ourselves to determine just what Shakespeare meant by these words. Was he literally giving Sylvia to Proteus? Or is he simply transferring the love he has for Sylvia to his best bro friend? Listen and hopefully we can help you come to your own understanding of this oft-maligned part of this play. 

• A Spray of Plum Blossoms (Yī jiăn méi) - the 1931 Chinese film adaptation of the play, is available on YouTube (with Spanish and English subtitles)
• The essay featured in the Folger's edition of the play is entitled "The Two Gentlemen of Verona: A Modern Perspective" by Jeffrey Masten. We couldn't find a full copy of the text, but it is a very good read if you can get your hands on it.