The Two Gentlemen of Verona

While the word “gentlemen” suggests that its heroes are adults, Two Gentlemen of Verona, one of William Shakespeare's plays, is more intelligible if we think of them as boys, leaving home for the first time. One has a crush on a girl, Julia, though he hasn’t yet told her.

Sent to court to learn to be “perfect gentlemen," Valentine and Proteus are derailed by their attraction to Sylvia, the ruler’s daughter. Valentine’s mental denseness does not deter Sylvia from returning his love, but he is caught, and banished, when he tries to elope with her. Proteus’ desire for Sylvia wipes out his former love, leading him into despicable acts that win scorn from Sylvia and wound Julia, who has pursued him disguised as a boy.

When Sylvia follows Valentine into banishment, Proteus follows Sylvia, and Julia follows Proteus, the stage is set for a disturbing ending. But the stage is also set for the “gentlemen” to take small steps toward maturity.

Shakespeare wrote The Two Gentlemen of Verona early on; suggested dates are between 1590 and 1595. It was published in the 1623 First Folio. Sources include Jorge de Montemayor's Diana Enamorada.

Productions at the Folger

• The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Fiasco Theater, 2014)
• The Two Gentlemen of Verona (Folger Theatre, 2004)

Early editions

First Folio

LUNA: First Folio: B4r - D1v

Hamnet: STC 22273 Fo. 1 no. 68

Second Folio

LUNA: Second Folio: B4v - D1v

Hamnet: STC 22274 Fo. 2 no. 07

Modern editions

The Two Gentlemen of Verona can be read online with Folger Digital Texts and purchased from Simon and Schuster.

Hamnet link to Folger Edition: PR2753 .M6 2003 copy 2 v.36

Notes

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