Scene VI explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Marriage and Courtship

  The central focus of the scene is Fenton's plan to marry Anne Page, involving deception and multiple suitors.

• Deception and Disguise

  Anne Page feigns obedience to both parents while secretly planning to elope with Fenton, using the Herne the Hunter festivities as cover.

Characters to notice

• Master Fenton

  Reveals his love for Anne Page and his plan to marry her with the Host's help.

• Host of the Garter

  Initially reluctant but agrees to assist Fenton by procuring a vicar for the secret wedding.

• Anne Page

  Referenced as the object of Fenton's affection; she has secretly agreed to elope with him despite her parents' schemes.

• Master Slender

  Mentioned as the suitor favored by Anne's father for a forced marriage at Eton.

• Doctor Caius

  Mentioned as the suitor favored by Anne's mother for a forced marriage at the deanery.

Key passages

• “From time to time I have acquainted you With the dear love I bear to fair Anne Page, Who, mutually, hath answered my affection, So far forth as herself might be her chooser, Even to my wish.”

  I have often told you about my deep love for Anne Page, and she has returned my feelings, choosing me freely as she is able.

  Fenton explains his mutual love with Anne to the Host.

• “Her father hath commanded her to slip Away with Slender, and with him at Eton Immediately to marry; she hath consented: Now, sir, Her mother, even strong against that match And firm for Doctor Caius, hath appointed That he shall likewise shuffle her away, While other sports are tasking of their minds; And at the deanery, where a priest attends, Straight marry her: to this her mother's plot She seemingly obedient likewise hath Made promise to the doctor.”

  Her father ordered her to run off with Slender and marry him at Eton, and she pretended to agree. Meanwhile, her mother, who opposes that match and favors Doctor Caius, arranged for him to take her away during the festivities and marry her at the deanery, and Anne also pretended to go along with that plan.

  Fenton reveals the competing marriage plots of Anne's parents.

• “Both, my good host, to go along with me: And here it rests, that you'll procure the vicar To stay for me at church, 'twixt twelve and one, And in the lawful name of marrying, To give our hearts united ceremony.”

  She intends to deceive both her father and mother by coming with me. So I need you to arrange for the vicar to wait at the church between midnight and one o'clock to marry us lawfully.

  Fenton reveals Anne's true plan to elope with him and asks the Host to secure a priest.