# Scene IV explained — The Merry Wives of Windsor

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_merry_wives_of_windsor_se/chapters/act-iii-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