# Scene VII explained — The Two Gentlemen of Verona

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

## What happens

Julia, with Lucetta's counsel, resolves to disguise herself as a page and journey to Milan to be with Proteus, despite Lucetta's warnings about the wearisome journey and Proteus's potential deceit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love as a Transformative Force

Julia's love for Proteus drives her to undertake a perilous journey and adopt a male disguise, showing love's power to transform identity and action.

### Disguise and Deception

Julia plans to disguise herself as a page to travel safely, highlighting the theme of deception for love's sake.

### Gender Roles and Disguise

Julia's decision to cut her hair and wear men's clothing challenges contemporary gender norms, emphasizing the fluidity of gender roles in pursuit of love.

## Character check-ins

### Julia

Determined to follow Proteus to Milan, she plans to disguise as a page and dismisses Lucetta's cautions about Proteus's faithfulness.

### Lucetta

Advises Julia against the journey and warns of Proteus's potential deceit, but ultimately helps her prepare for the disguise.

## Key lines

> A true-devoted pilgrim is not weary To measure kingdoms with his feeble steps; Much less shall she that hath Love's wings to fly

A devoted pilgrim never tires of traveling great distances, and a woman in love has even more motivation to journey.

_Julia argues that love gives her the strength to undertake the long journey to Proteus._

> Not like a woman; for I would prevent The loose encounters of lascivious men

I will not dress as a woman, to avoid unwanted advances from men.

_Julia explains her decision to disguise as a page for safety._

> His words are bonds, his oaths are oracles, His love sincere, his thoughts immaculate

Proteus's promises are as reliable as legal contracts, his vows as true as prophecies, and his love is pure and honest.

_Julia defends Proteus's character against Lucetta's doubts._

## Links

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