QUERIES FOR DISCUSSION

Why does Berowne say that he loves “the worst of all” (III, i, 193)?  Is this true?  Does he think it true?  Does it refer to her looks, or her disposition, or her brain?  Is it said of her because she is the cleverest, and does Berowne really share the common prejudice of the male against a superior woman or only pretend to?

ACT IV

BEROWNE HEARS SOME SONNETS AND THE KING RECEIVES A LETTER

Does the Princess guess the truth of the matter when Costard delivers the wrong letter for Rosaline?

What relation has the second scene of Act IV to the Play?  Of what use to the preceding action, and to the present?  Of what use are all these new characters to the Plot?  One has been before heard from, but is he of the most or least use here?  Are they of use to the story in any other way, later?  In what respects do their tricks of speech and affectation of learning suit the aim of the Comedy?  Show how the Sonnet-writing is made the means of unmasking the lovers to each other and all of them to Berowne.  Are the sonnets suited to the characters of the writers?  Contrast the King’s and Berowne’s in this respect.  Does the King suspect Berowne before Jaquenetta brings her letter?  Why does Jaquenetta say it was treason?  Would Berowne have confessed if he were not forced to?  After having so unmercifully followed the example of the others in condemning them for doing what each was equally involved in, the climax of forced confession from him is more amusing than if any one of them had unmasked him, as Longaville did Dumain, the King Longaville, and Berowne the King.  What special fitness was there in making Dumane find out that the torn letter was in Berowne’s hand and bore his signature?

QUERIES FOR DISCUSSION

Is Berowne’s speech to “salve” their “perjury” (IV, iii, 309-383) the moral of the piece?  If so why should not the Play end here?  How does Berowne’s final speech in this Act foreshadow the conclusion of the Play?

ACT V

SPORT IS BY SPORT OVERTHROWN

What were the main events of the last Act and of this one, and how do they bear upon one another?  Why is the revenge planned by the Princess both fair and prudent?  Are the men more in earnest than they seem?  Do the women seem less in earnest than they are?  Which man first draws a lesson from being outwitted, and how is it justified?  Show how this lesson suits the trend of the Play, and advances upon the outcome of the preceding Act.  To whom is Berowne’s line (V, ii, 477)—­“Speake for yourselves, my wit is at an end”—­addressed?  How is the King brought to confusion?  Is the Princess too hard upon him?  Why does Berowne scoff so fiercely at Boyet?