The Merry Wives of Windsor · Chapter
Scene II explained
Mistress Page meets Robin on the street and they discuss his new role as a leader.
What happens
Mistress Page meets Robin on the street and they discuss his new role as a leader. Ford encounters them and grows suspicious of his wife's fidelity, believing she is plotting with Falstaff. He resolves to search his home for Falstaff. Meanwhile, Page, Shallow, Slender, Host, Evans, Caius, and Rugby arrive. Shallow and Slender excuse themselves to dine with Anne Page, revealing the ongoing marriage plots. Ford invites the others to his home, promising to show them a 'monster'—his plan to catch Falstaff.
Themes in this chapter
Jealousy and Trust
Ford's soliloquy reveals his intense jealousy and suspicion of his wife, Mistress Ford, and Mistress Page, leading him to plan a search for Falstaff.
Marriage and Courtship
The subplot of Anne Page's suitors is advanced: Shallow and Slender pursue her with Page's approval, while Caius and Fenton are also in contention.
Deception and Disguise
Ford's plan to 'show a monster' hints at his intent to expose Falstaff's deception, while the characters' hidden motives drive the plot.
Characters to notice
- Mistress Page
Meets Robin and Ford on the street; goes to visit Mistress Ford.
- Robin
Accompanies Mistress Page; prefers leading her to following Falstaff.
- Master Ford
Grows jealous and suspicious of his wife; plans to search his home for Falstaff.
- Master Page
Supports Slender as a suitor for Anne; opposes Fenton.
- Justice Shallow
Excuses himself from Ford's dinner to pursue the match between Slender and Anne Page.
- Master Slender
Hopes to win Anne Page's hand; declines Ford's invitation.
Key passages
“I had rather, forsooth, go before you like a man than follow him like a dwarf.”
I would rather lead you like a man than follow him like a dwarf.
Robin expresses his preference for leading Mistress Page over following Falstaff.
“I think, if your husbands were dead, you two would marry.”
I think if your husbands were dead, you two would marry each other.
Ford jokingly suggests that Mistress Page and his wife would marry if widowed, revealing his suspicion.
“Well; I will take him, then torture my wife, pluck the borrowed veil of modesty from the so seeming Mistress Page, divulge Page himself for a secure and wilful Actaeon; and to these violent proceedings all my neighbours shall cry aim.”
I will catch Falstaff, then torment my wife, expose Mistress Page's false modesty, reveal Page as a trusting Actaeon, and have my neighbors approve my actions.
Ford outlines his plan to publicly shame the supposed adulterers.