Genre
Drama; comedy
Language
English
Setting and Context
Verona and Milan, Italy
Narrator and Point of View
There is no singular narrator in the play.
Tone and Mood
Ironic, whimsical, redemptive
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central protagonist of the play is Valentine. The central antagonist of the play is Proteus, until he asks for Valentine's forgiveness.
Major Conflict
The major conflict in the play is that Proteus has fallen in love with the same woman as Valentine and has resolved to betray both his own lover (Julia) and his best friend in order to win Silvia for himself.
Climax
The climax of the play occurs when Proteus threatens to rape Silvia and Silvia is saved by Valentine.
Foreshadowing
Valentine's speech at the beginning of the play about the dangers of falling in love foreshadow his falling in love with Silvia as soon as he arrives in Milan.
Understatement
Julia, in disguise as Sebastian, often has to speak with understatement in order to keep her identity a secret from Proteus.
Allusions
The play makes frequent allusions to ancient Greek mythology, specifically the myth of Philomela who was raped by Tereus and transformed into a nightingale.
Imagery
Important imagery in the play includes the forest, fire, beauty, and sexual violence.
Paradox
The central paradox of the play is that Proteus is willing to destroy the life of his best friend in order to woo a woman who cares little for him.
Parallelism
The relationship between Launce and his dog, Crab, parallels the romantic relationships in the play ironically, as Crab is an ill-behaved dog to whom Launce remains passionately devoted.
Personification
Valentine, while wandering in the woods, personifies the nightingale as a companion in his sorrow.
Use of Dramatic Devices
The play is known for its notable lack of dramatic devices, and has often been criticized for poorly executed dialogue among its small cast. This has led many to believe that it was likely the first play Shakespeare ever wrote for the stage.