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 on stage at John Cranford Adams Playhouse
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.