ABSTRACT
In an interesting article on the ending of Shakespeare’s comedies, Alwin Thaler tries to refute the opinion of the majority of critics that the last scene in The Two Gentlemen of Verona is “blind or incomprehensible.” 1 Granted that Shakespeare purposely subordinated everything to the highly convention theme of friendship, before final judgment can be passed on the general fitness of the ending of the Two Gentlemen, one ought to consider carefully the requirements of romantic love in the play. The friendship theme, though greatly emphasised, is, after all, only a strong framework to motivate the love story. 2 Furthermore, Professor Thorndike informs us: 3
The dénouement is badly hurried and Valentine so far forgets his part as to offer Silvia to the penitent Proteus. Perhaps this fine gesture might be in accord with the code of honour for sworn friends, but it could scarcely be justified on a stage devoted to romantic love.
