# Scene IV: Doctor Caius's House explained — The Merry Wives of Windsor

> Chapter companion for The Merry Wives of Windsor by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Mistress Quickly hides Simple from Doctor Caius, who discovers him and challenges Sir Hugh Evans to a duel over Anne Page. Fenton then visits, seeking Quickly's help in wooing Anne.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Courtship

Multiple suitors—Slender, Caius, and Fenton—compete for Anne Page's hand, with Mistress Quickly as a go-between.

### Deception and Disguise

Mistress Quickly hides Simple in the closet and later lies to Caius about his purpose.

### Jealousy and Trust

Caius's violent jealousy upon finding Simple and his suspicion of Sir Hugh's interference.

## Character check-ins

### Mistress Quickly

Manages the household and mediates between suitors for Anne Page.

### Simple

Sent by Sir Hugh Evans to speak with Mistress Quickly on behalf of Master Slender.

### Doctor Caius

Discovers Simple in his closet and becomes enraged, challenging Sir Hugh to a duel.

### Master Fenton

Visits Mistress Quickly to seek her support in his suit for Anne Page.

### John Rugby

Caius's servant, called to watch and later accompany his master.

## Key lines

> I pray thee go to the casement, and see if you can see my master, Master Doctor Caius, coming: if he do, i’ faith, and find anybody in the house, here will be an old abusing of God’s patience and the King’s English.

Please go to the window and watch for Doctor Caius; if he comes and finds someone here, there will be a terrible uproar.

_Mistress Quickly warns Rugby to keep watch, fearing Caius's anger._

> By gar, it is a shallenge: I will cut his troat in de Park; and I will teach a scurvy jack-a-nape priest to meddle or make.

By God, this is a challenge: I will cut his throat in the park and teach that wretched priest to interfere.

_Caius vows to duel Sir Hugh Evans for meddling in his courtship of Anne Page._

> I know Anne’s mind as well as another does.

I know Anne's intentions as well as anyone.

_Mistress Quickly claims insider knowledge of Anne's feelings, though she may be exaggerating._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merry_wives_of_windsor_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merry_wives_of_windsor_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merry_wives_of_windsor_se/chapters