All’s Well That Ends Well · Chapter
Scene III explained
The King of France forgives Bertram and arranges his marriage to Lafeu's daughter, Maudlin.
What happens
The King of France forgives Bertram and arranges his marriage to Lafeu's daughter, Maudlin. Bertram gives a ring that the King recognizes as Helena's. Diana arrives with her mother and accuses Bertram of promising marriage and seducing her, producing the ring as evidence. Bertram denies everything, but Parolles is summoned and equivocates. The King orders Bertram seized, suspecting foul play in Helena's death.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Bertram's lies about the ring and his relationship with Diana are exposed through testimony and physical evidence, highlighting the gap between appearance and truth.
Honor and Reputation
Bertram's honor is questioned by Lafeu and the King; Diana's honor is at stake in her accusation; Parolles' equivocation further undermines trust.
Love and Obsession
The King's lingering grief for Helena and Bertram's belated love for her are contrasted with his current denial and new marriage arrangement.
Characters to notice
- King of France
Forgives Bertram, arranges a new marriage, recognizes Helena's ring, and orders Bertram seized upon Diana's accusation.
- Bertram
Returns to court, is forgiven, gives a ring to Lafeu's daughter, denies knowing Helena's ring, and is accused by Diana of seduction and promise of marriage.
- Diana
Appears before the King with her mother, accuses Bertram of seduction and broken vows, and presents the ring as evidence.
- Countess of Rousillon
Pleads for Bertram's forgiveness, identifies the ring as Helena's, and calls for justice on Helena's supposed murderers.
- Lafeu
Arranges his daughter's marriage to Bertram, identifies the ring, and later rejects Bertram as a son-in-law.
- Parolles
Summoned as a witness, equivocates about Bertram's relationship with Diana, and is described as a 'naughty orator'.
Key passages
“Praising what is lost / Makes the remembrance dear.”
Speaking highly of something we have lost only makes us cherish the memory more.
The King reflects on the futility of praising Helena after her death.
“Our rash faults / Make trivial price of serious things we have, / Not knowing them until we know their grave.”
Our impulsive mistakes cause us to undervalue important things, which we only appreciate after they are gone.
The King admonishes Bertram for realizing Helena's worth only after losing her.
“He blushes, and 'tis it: / Of six preceding ancestors, that gem, / Conferr'd by testament to the sequent issue, / Hath it been owed and worn. This is his wife; / That ring's a thousand proofs.”
He blushes, confirming it: that ring has been passed down through six generations of his family. This proves she is his wife; the ring is overwhelming evidence.
The Countess identifies the ring as the family heirloom, proving Diana's claim.
“She hath that ring of yours. / Bertram I think she has: certain it is I liked her, / And boarded her i' the wanton way of youth.”
She has your ring. Bertram admits he thinks so, confessing he pursued her in a youthful, lustful manner.
Bertram reluctantly acknowledges giving Diana the ring, revealing his seduction.
