The Merry Wives of Windsor Lesson Plan

Analyze Falstaff's allusion to the Greek myth while he waits under the tree. How do these stories mimic what is happening in the play currently?

Falstaff offers some interesting literary criticism of these ancient myths, suggesting that they are metaphorical in nature, meant to illuminate the paradox that some men becomes like beasts when they pursue love, and others are beasts who become men. This seems reflected in the actions of the other characters of the play: Falstaff, though his pursuit is considered immoral, has become somewhat gentler; Ford, on the other hand, has become wild with jealousy and anger, as has Caius; and Fenton also seems transformed into the...