Gentlemen of Verona the Concept

¶ … Gentlemen of Verona

The concept of metamorphosis in the Two Gentlemen of Verona

William Shakespeare's 1590 play The Two Gentlemen of Verona deals with a series of concepts that later came to be characteristic to the playwright and that induce deep feelings in readers as they come across them. The play addresses several themes and two of the most important of them are infidelity and friendship. Although most people prefer to consider the overall message of the play when they analyze it, certain aspects might be essential in providing more information regarding the feelings that Shakespeare wanted to put across and the reasons for which he used particular words in describing states of mind. The concept of transformation is emphasized by Proteus and by Speed, Valentine's servant, as they each want to express the change that one experiences when he or she falls in love through using the word "metamorphosis."

Even though the play is accessible to a wide range of readers coming from diverse backgrounds and the general meaning that the play is meant to convey can be discovered by most people reading it, some factors tend to distinguish themselves. Proteus' monologue emphasizes his obsession with Julia and his inability to understand why he abandoned principles that are characteristic to men like him in order to embrace love.

He after honour hunts, I after love:

He leaves his friends to dignify them more,

I leave myself, my friends and all, for love.

Thou, Julia, thou hast metamorphosed me,

Made me neglect my studies, lose my time,

War with good counsel, set the world at nought;

Made wit with musing weak, heart sick with thought

In order to best describe his opinion in regard to his experience, Proteus uses the word metamorphose. Through using this word, he wants people to understand the steps that he undertook from the moment when he had no one to love and until the moment when Julia entered his life as being similar to a metamorphosis.

Proteus' view of love is certainly an exaggeration, as even though he prefers to consider that much has changed about him, he actually remained the same and love activated a part of him that had been dormant until that time. The reason why he uses the concept of metamorphosis is the fact that he wants people to understand his feelings from his perspective. He wants them to learn that his love did not emerge as a result of a simple crush, as he experienced a significant transformation when he acknowledged the feelings he has for Julia.

Shakespeare considered that understanding Proteus's transition from an ordinary individual to one that is in love was an essential factor in having people feel the seriousness of the sentiments involved in this love story. In order to do so, the writer emphasized the feeling and presented Proteus as a hopeless lover that would not stop until he reaches his goal. Love is the reason for his metamorphosis and (similar to the glorious transformation of a larva into a butterfly) Proteus' personality experienced a fantastic change at the time when he fell in love. The fact that he spent most of his life without knowing what love was contributes to the feelings he experiences when he develops an obsession for Julia.

Although he uses the concept of metamorphosis in a somewhat similar context, the Speed describes it from the point-of-view of an impartial person. He recognizes the fact that Valentine is "metamorphosed with a mistress" because of the aristocrat's behavior. Valentine is surprised, and, to a certain degree ashamed, that his love for Silvia is visible. Speed is quick to read him, however, and does not hesitate to use the same word that Proteus used at the time when he contemplated his love for Julia. The fact that both Speed and Proteus use the word as a metaphor to describe an honest feeling with the purpose of referring to something they consider shameful is certainly intriguing. Valentine supports this concept at the time when he queries Speed in regard to his impression of him. He appears to be disturbed with the fact that Speed has realized that he has feelings for Silvia.

Shakespeare considered that love was a dishonorable feeling for honorable men in Verona, especially during a time when they were about to start their social lives. Valentine and Proteus are shown experiencing metamorphosis as weak individuals that are guided by their hearts instead of being governed by logics. Readers are assisted as they understand more in regard to the conditions in an environment that focuses on material matters more than it focuses on feelings. This further contributes to the public's understanding of why men exposed themselves by falling in love. Valentine was banished from Milan as a result of his love for Silvia and Proteus came to betray his best friend because he was blinded by love. Shakespeare wants people to understand that love can influence people in doing things that they did not even think of before they experienced "metamorphosis."

The metamorphosis act is represented by the moment when men submit all of their powers to love. Consequent to doing this they are no longer capable to control themselves and are vulnerable to committing a great deal of immoral things. Valentine initially contrasts Proteus through the fact that he wants to experience social advance by moving to Milan. The fact that he did not yet metamorphose makes it extremely easy for him to leave Verona, as there was nothing there to tie him to the place. Proteus, on the other hand, felt compelled to stay because he was blinded by his love and was indifferent to other matters. His monologue explains his condition and his impossibility to act rationally as he admits that love has turned him into a foolish person.

The concept of metamorphosis is one of the most important elements in the play, as it brings forward the transformations that characters undergo and the fact that love stands as one of the principal factors influencing them to change their personality. The play and the term "metamorphosis" address a more general concept that dominated the sixteenth century. People at the time were certain that love was much more influential than it was believed to be. They accepted that virtually anyone could fall victim to the feeling and that the respective person was likely to transform into something that had nothing to do with his or her previous individuality. Shakespeare's play promotes this belief and actually reinforces it by providing examples of people taking on irrational attitudes as a consequence of being in love.

Even though the word metamorphosis is only used twice in the play, it contributes to its general context and makes it easier for the public to identify elements related to transformation. Julia's decision to dress as a man came as a result of her love, as she wanted to be close to Proteus. Even with the fact that she discredited herself by employing such behavior, she was determined to do anything in her power in order to be with Proteus. The concept of metamorphosis is meant to have the public understand that people are naturally unbalanced, weak, and unpredictable.

Whereas they are capable to pose into perfectly logical individuals, feelings can easily change their character. In spite of showing the disadvantages of love and the vulnerability that it triggers in people, Shakespeare also presents his audience with the other side of the concept. Through highlighting the moment when Proteus experiences enlightenment regarding his love for Julia, the playwright wants people to understand that love can also save people from performing immoral acts. By acknowledging the feelings that he has for Julia, Proteus abandons his determination to be with Silvia. Considering this, it becomes obvious that true love can also prevent individuals from falling victim to passion.