Scene IV explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Forgiveness and Reconciliation

  Valentine forgives Proteus's betrayal, and the Duke pardons Valentine and the outlaws, culminating in a harmonious resolution.

• Constancy and Inconstancy

  Proteus's inconstancy in love is contrasted with Julia's constancy; the theme is explicitly discussed by Silvia and Julia.

• Disguise and Deception

  Julia's disguise as Sebastian is central to the revelation of her identity and the resolution of the love plot.

Characters to notice

• Valentine

  Soliloquizes in the forest, confronts Proteus's betrayal, forgives him, and is pardoned by the Duke.

• Proteus

  Rescues Silvia but attempts to force his love; repents and is forgiven by Valentine.

• Silvia

  Rescued by Proteus, she rejects him and declares her love for Valentine.

• Julia

  Disguised as Sebastian, she faints and reveals her identity through the ring, leading to reconciliation with Proteus.

• Duke of Milan

  Captured by outlaws, pardons Valentine and approves his marriage to Silvia.

• Thurio

  Renounces Silvia when challenged by Valentine, revealing his cowardice.

Key passages

• “How use doth breed a habit in a man! This shadowy desert, unfrequented woods, I better brook than flourishing peopled towns”

  Valentine reflects that he has grown accustomed to the solitude of the forest, preferring it to the busy towns.

  Valentine's opening soliloquy shows his adaptation to exile.

• “Who by repentance is not satisfied Is nor of heaven nor earth, for these are pleased.”

  Valentine argues that sincere repentance should be accepted, as both heaven and earth are appeased by it.

  Valentine forgives Proteus, emphasizing the theme of forgiveness.

• “It is the lesser blot, modesty finds, Women to change their shapes than men their minds.”

  Julia says that it is a smaller shame for women to disguise themselves than for men to be fickle in their affections.

  Julia criticizes Proteus's inconstancy while justifying her own disguise.