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The Two Gentlemen of Verona

By William Shakespeare - Stage play

Stage playStageACT I, Scene 1

Roles

  • Proteus
  • Speed

About this piece

Proteus anxiously asks Speed what was Julia's reaction to his letter

Summary

The play is about two childhood friends from Verona, Valentine and Proteus. In the beginning of the story Valentine leaves Verona for the Duke's court in Milan. Proteus tells his friend that he can't leave Verona because he is in love with Julia and is courting her. He sent her a love letter and is waiting for an answer. Valentine arrives in Milan and instantly falls in love with the Duke's daughter, Silvia. Soon later Proteus' father decides to send his son to Milan as well. Proteus also falls in love with Silvia and the story follows Proteus' schemes to win Silvia's love. In this scene, the second part of the first scene of ACT I, Proteus confronts Speed, who is Valentine's servant. Speed was supposed to leave with Valentine and is late. He was sent to deliver a letter to Julia by Proteus. The scene starts in a funny tone as Proteus mocks Speed for being a "sheep". A battle of wits ensues as Speed defends himself. Then when Proteus asks him what was Julia's reaction to his letter, Speed avoids to give him a straight answer in order to be compensated for his effort.

Tone

In an interrogation sceneHaving an argumentGiving advice on relationshipsI wanted to tell you... I love you

Use cases

classrehearsal
View on Actorama

Library metadata only. SceneFiend never includes script text here - pick up the published version to rehearse.

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