# Scene II explained — The Two Gentlemen of Verona

> Chapter companion for The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Proteus and Julia exchange tokens and a kiss before Proteus is called away by his father, leaving Julia in sorrow.

## Themes in this chapter

### Constancy and Inconstancy

Proteus vows true constancy to Julia with a handshake and a kiss, yet the audience knows his later inconstancy.

### Love as a Transformative Force

The lovers' exchange of tokens and vows highlights love's power to bind and transform their parting into a sacred promise.

## Character check-ins

### Proteus

Bids farewell to Julia, exchanging rings and a kiss, and promises constancy before being summoned by his father.

### Julia

Gives Proteus a ring as a remembrance and sorrowfully accepts his departure.

### Panthino

Enters to summon Proteus, urging him to hurry.

## Key lines

> If you turn not, you will return the sooner.

If you remain faithful, you'll come back quickly.

_Julia puns on 'turn' meaning both 'return' and 'be unfaithful'._

> And seal the bargain with a holy kiss.

Let's confirm our agreement with a sacred kiss.

_Julia treats their exchange of rings as a solemn pact sealed with a kiss._

> Alas! this parting strikes poor lovers dumb.

Alas, this separation leaves us speechless.

_Proteus laments that lovers are rendered mute by the pain of parting._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_two_gentlemen_of_verona_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_two_gentlemen_of_verona_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_two_gentlemen_of_verona_se/chapters