 The Two Gentlemen of Verona is a story about, you guessed it, two gentlemen; but also a story about two gentlewomen, two servants, two fathers, two dogs, two towns, and many more “twos”. Each of these pairs contains antitheses, or opposites. The two gentlemen, Valentine and Proteus, from which the show takes its namesake, are very much antitheses of each other. Also, Speed, with his quick wit is certainly the opposite of the dull-witted Launce, his counterpart. These antithetical relationships can be spotted throughout the play. Try noting a few for yourself.
The most prominent and clear antithesis is contained within one character: Proteus. Proteus’ actions toward his love, Julia, turns from intense love and adoration to extreme dislike and disdain. In fact, Proteus’ very name suggests he will be amorphous, and lacking shape; his name is derived from an ancient sea god who could shape-shift into any form. Proteus, during his self-reflecting soliloquies, displays two distinct personalities bent on conflicting goals. One personality is clearly dominant and aggressive, while the other is submissively passive showing the conflict within him.
Many scholars believe The Two Gentleman of Verona was the first play William Shakespeare ever wrote. Regardless of its exact positioning amongst the rest of his work, this play, in its experimental nature, undoubtedly sets up many of his comedies and tragedies to follow (many of which this organization has already performed). A heroine for the first time disguises herself as a boy (As You Like It and The Merchant of Venice), a lover is banished (Romeo and Juliet), and the confusion of two couples in love (The Comedy of Errors) all can be viewed in its early stage of development in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. A youthful and enthusiastic writer, this play shows Shakespeare’s roots, and his interest about love.
Shakespeare chose to teach us about our own humanity by showing a vast array of personalities and their respective opposites. He captures the essence of what we perceive to be constant and good (Valentine), and what we perceive to be conflicted and evil (Proteus). He shows the conflict between two good friends, and the conflict within one person. Shakespeare leaves us with a few questions. What did the two gentlemen of Verona truly learn in their time at Milan? And do we really ever learn from our mistakes? Does Proteus? This is a question Shakespeare leaves us to answer. |
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