The Two Gentlemen of Verona play is set in both Verona and Milan in Italy. The action in the play shifts backward and forward between them, and in a forest near Mantua. Read more about The Two Gentlemen of Verona settings.
Date written: 1593
Genre classification: The Two Gentlemen of Verona is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s comedies
Main characters in The Two Gentlemen of Verona:
Valentine and Proteus: Two young gentlemen of Verona who are best friends, but love the same woman.
Silvia: Beloved of Valentine. She rebuffs the advances of Proteus.
Julia: Young woman who loves Proteus. She remains loyal to him even though he becomes infatuated with Silvia.
Duke of Milan: Father of Silvia. He attempts to force her to marry the vain Thurio.
Antonio: Father of Proteus.
Thurio: A foolish rival of Valentine.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona themes:
The themes are betrayal, forgiveness and appearance and reality.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona seems like quite the brilliant play, and the re-battle of the father trying to tie her hand into marriage does add a bit of drama and excitement!
I don’t see how the Two Gentlemen of Verona can be classified as a comedy. Its tone is more like Othello (except this one has a happy ending): dark and angsty and full of betrayal. I can’t see it as a comedy, especially since at one point Proteus insinuates that he’ll rape Silvia.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona is my favorite comedy by Shakespeare along with The Twelfth Night.