The Merry Wives of Windsor · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Fenton and Anne Page discuss their love despite her father's objections.
What happens
Fenton and Anne Page discuss their love despite her father's objections. Mistress Quickly facilitates multiple suitors, including Slender and Doctor Caius, while Anne resists her father's choice. Page and Mistress Page intervene, favoring Slender, but Mistress Page secretly supports Fenton.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Courtship
Multiple suitors compete for Anne Page's hand, highlighting parental authority, financial motives, and genuine affection.
Deception and Disguise
Mistress Quickly secretly aids Fenton while pretending to serve other suitors, and Mistress Page conceals her true intentions from her husband.
Characters to notice
- Master Fenton
Woos Anne Page, confessing his initial mercenary motives but now genuinely loving her.
- Anne Page
Resists her father's choice of Slender, preferring Fenton, and seeks her mother's support.
- Mistress Page
Privately opposes marrying Anne to Slender and hints at favoring Fenton.
- Mistress Quickly
Acts as go-between for multiple suitors, promising to help Fenton, Slender, and Doctor Caius.
- Master Slender
Awkwardly courts Anne Page under pressure from his uncle Shallow and Page.
Key passages
“Albeit I will confess thy father's wealth Was the first motive that I wooed thee, Anne: Yet, wooing thee, I found thee of more value Than stamps in gold, or sums in sealèd bags;”
I admit that your father's money first drew me to you, but now I value you far more than any gold or treasure.
Fenton confesses his initial mercenary intentions but insists his love has become genuine.
“Good mother, do not marry me to yond fool.”
Please, Mother, don't force me to marry that fool.
Anne Page pleads with her mother to avoid being wed to Slender.
“I mean it not; I seek you a better husband.”
I don't intend to marry you to him; I'm looking for a better husband for you.
Mistress Page reassures Anne that she opposes the match with Slender.