46 pages 1 hour read

Two Gentlemen of Verona

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1594

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Summary and Study Guide

Overview

Two Gentlemen of Verona is a romantic comedy generally assumed to be the first play written by William Shakespeare. It was likely written between 1587 and 1593, though the exact date of composition is unknown. The play describes the fallout that ensues when two young men (one of whom is engaged) fall in love with the same woman. Important themes in the play include The Restrictions of Courtly Love for Women, The Fickle Nature of Young Love, and The Importance of Loyalty Between Men.

This summary is based on the edition of the play found in The New Oxford Shakespeare Complete Works (2017).

Content Warning: The play features depictions of sexual assault and outdated racist stereotypes.

Plot Summary

A young gentleman named Valentine prepares to leave Verona to seek his fortunes in Milan. His best friend Proteus chooses to stay in Verona and pursue his love for a woman named Julia. Valentine’s servant Speed delivers a love letter from Proteus to Julia, who receives it coldly. Meanwhile, Julia discusses her many suitors with her maid, Lucetta, who criticizes all except Proteus. It is revealed that Lucetta, not Julia, took the letter from Speed.

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