Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Two Gentlemen of Verona Act 1, Scene 1

260.

good news! i am already enjoying this play! it's fun, funny, and clever. i already see some interesting characters, and the potential for a great plot line. SWEET. i'm hoping this develops into another great reading experience!


act 1, scene 1
Valentine and Proteus, 2 gentlemen, enter on a street in Verona. Valentine is poking fun at Proteus, saying he would invite Proteus to see 'the wonders of the world abroad' with him if Proteus weren't tied down by love. Proteus wishes him luck on his travels, and promises his friendship. before Valentine leaves, however, he has to poke fun at love some more. he tells Proteus that love is foolish. Proteus asks Valentine if he thinks he, Proteus, is a fool then. Valentine retorts that he fears he will become one. (see quote below.) Valentine is ready to head out on his trip to Milan, and the 2 men promise they will write each other letters. Valentine leaves and Proteus proclaims his love for Julia, who has caused him to neglect every other part of his life in pursuit of her love. Speed, a servant of Valentine's, enters looking for Valentine. Proteus asks Speed if he delivered his letter to Julia. Speed gives him a serious runaround, and won't tell him anything til he gets a tip. as soon as he does, Speed reveals that Julia's response was not positive. Speed runs off after Valentine, and Proteus resolves to find himself a better messenger.


i didn't really go into it in my summary, but there is some very witty dialogue happening between Speed and Proteus in this scene. SO CLEVER! if you are interested, check it out.

it's interesting that Valentine is taking a boat to Milan from Verona. isn't there land, and not sea, between Milan and Verona?

the names are intriguing. is Valentine supposed to remind us of love? Speed, having to do with his quick wit maybe? and Proteus... something from Greek mythology?

it's early on, so i don't have much to say yet. if you haven't read this one, pick it up! it's a fun read already.

quote of the day:
Proteus: 'tis love you cavil at. i am not Love.
Valentine: Love is your master, for he masters you;
and he that is so yoked by a fool
methinks should not be chronicled for wise.

for tomorrow: act 1, scenes 2 and 3

-rebecca may

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