The Two Gentlemen of Verona · Chapter
Scene III explained
Silvia enlists the help of Sir Eglamour to flee Milan and join the banished Valentine in Mantua, revealing her father's intent to force her into a detested marriage with Thurio.
What happens
Silvia enlists the help of Sir Eglamour to flee Milan and join the banished Valentine in Mantua, revealing her father's intent to force her into a detested marriage with Thurio. Eglamour, moved by her plight and his own past loss, agrees to accompany her, and they arrange to meet at Friar Patrick's cell that evening.
Themes in this chapter
Love as a Transformative Force
Silvia's determination to flee to Valentine demonstrates love's power to inspire courageous action against familial and societal constraints.
Travel and Experience
Silvia's planned journey to Mantua underscores the theme of travel as a means to pursue love and escape oppression.
Characters to notice
- Silvia
Seeks Eglamour's help to escape to Valentine in Mantua, expressing her grief and abhorrence of the forced marriage to Thurio.
- Sir Eglamour
A gentleman who has vowed chastity after his lady's death; agrees to accompany Silvia out of pity and respect for her virtuous cause.
Key passages
“Thou art not ignorant what dear good will I bear unto the banish’d Valentine, Nor how my father would enforce me marry Vain Thurio, whom my very soul abhors.”
You know how much I care for the exiled Valentine and that my father is forcing me to marry the foolish Thurio, whom I detest.
Silvia explains her predicament to Eglamour, revealing her love for Valentine and her opposition to her father's plans.
“I do desire thee, even from a heart As full of sorrows as the sea of sands, To bear me company and go with me: If not, to hide what I have said to thee, That I may venture to depart alone.”
I earnestly ask you, from a heart as full of sorrow as the sea is full of sand, to accompany me; if you refuse, at least keep my secret so I can try to go alone.
Silvia pleads for Eglamour's companionship or at least his silence, emphasizing her desperation.
“Madam, I pity much your grievances; Which since I know they virtuously are placed, I give consent to go along with you, Recking as little what betideth me As much I wish all good befortune you.”
Lady, I deeply sympathize with your troubles, and since I see they are motivated by virtue, I agree to go with you, caring as little for my own fate as I wish good fortune for you.
Eglamour agrees to help Silvia, valuing her virtuous cause over his own safety.