Alls Well That Ends Well

All's Well That
Ends Well
Study Guide by Course Hero
justified by the play's happy ending.

What's Inside
j Book Basics ................................................................................................. 1 d In Context
d In Context ..................................................................................................... 1
a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 4

Italian Inspiration
h Characters ................................................................................................... 5
William Shakespeare drew the basic story line for All's Well
k Plot Summary ............................................................................................. 9 That Ends Well from The Decameron, a collection of stories
written by the 14th-century Italian author Giovanni Boccaccio
c Scene Summaries .................................................................................. 14 between 1349 and 1353. The tales in The Decameron are
united by a frame story, in which 10 young people have fled a
g Quotes ........................................................................................................ 27
plague in Florence and have secluded themselves in a villa in a
l Symbols ..................................................................................................... 29 nearby town. Each of the guests is charged with telling one
story a day to pass the time.
m Themes ...................................................................................................... 30
The story on which Shakespeare's play is based is told by
e Suggested Reading ............................................................................... 31 Queen Neifile on the third day. The story begins by introducing
the Count di Rossiglione, a perpetually ill man who insists the
doctor Gerardo di Nerbona remain constantly by his side. The
doctor's daughter, Giletta di Nerbona, falls passionately in love
j Book Basics with the count's son Beltramo and is devastated when the
count dies and the young man is sent to live with the king of
AUTHOR France. Her own father dies soon afterward, leaving his wealth
William Shakespeare and medical secrets to his daughter. Giletta, still in love with
Beltramo, refuses all other suitors and is prohibited from
YEARS WRITTEN following Beltramo to France.
1601–05
An opportunity of sorts comes with news the king of France is
GENRE suffering from a painful tumor. Giletta uses the knowledge
Comedy gleaned from her father to prepare a cure, and she departs for
Paris. The king is quickly healed, and he rewards Giletta by
ABOUT THE TITLE
saying she may marry the husband of her choice. She chooses
The title All's Well That Ends Well stems from a proverb. It
Beltramo, but the young man is not receptive since he believes
means a positive result can justify or negate any actions or
Giletta is of a lower class than he is. The king insists he marry
problems that may have preceded it. In this play the challenges
the girl, but before the marriage can be consummated,
Helen overcomes before she wins her heart's desire, and the
Beltramo flees the court and heads off to war.
questionable strategies she uses to achieve her goals, are all
All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide In Context 2
Giletta still hopes to earn Beltramo's love and returns to his

estate, which has fallen into disrepair after his father's death. Shakespeare's Genre-Defying
Using her innate intelligence and her resourcefulness, she
restores Beltramo's home to its former glory and begs Plays
Beltramo to come home to her. He responds he will do so only
when she wears his family ring, which he never takes off, and When they were originally collected in what became known as
bears him a child, although he will not lie with her. Giletta the First Folio (published 1623 with pages approximately 13
hatches a scheme, making it known she is filled with sorrow inches by 8 inches), William Shakespeare's plays were divided
and will become a pilgrim. Dressed in pilgrim's garb, she heads into three categories: tragedies, histories, and comedies. Later
to Florence where she learns Beltramo is madly in love with a scholars argued for a fourth category, romance, but those
poor noblewoman in town. Giletta convinces the young woman plays are usually considered a subset of comedy. Plays were
and her mother to help her, saying they will be paid assigned to these categories according to the following
handsomely for their aid. Beltramo receives a message from criteria:
the young noblewoman, asking him to send her his ring as a

pledge of his love, and in exchange, she will allow him to come
to her bed. Beltramo quickly agrees, but unbeknownst to him, it
Tragedies
is Giletta waiting for him in the dark bedroom.
The tragedies, which include such works as Macbeth
Giletta becomes pregnant and remains in Florence until she (1606–07), Hamlet (1599–1601), Julius Caesar (1599–1600),
gives birth to twin sons. Beltramo, in the meantime, returns to Othello (1603–04), and King Lear (1605–06), have the following
Rossiglione. Giletta finally follows him there. She approaches elements in common:
him at an All Saints' Day banquet. She shows him the ring and
The main protagonist, though he or she may have admirable
his sons, who look just like him, and asks him to fulfill his
traits, has a critical flaw—unbridled ambition, uncontrollable
pledge. Beltramo finally sees her worth, recognizes her as his
jealousy, or excessive pride, for example.
wife, and loves her dearly from that day forward.
The play must end in some horrible catastrophe involving, in
This basic story line from The Decameron, including the Elizabethan practice, the death of the principal character.
miraculous cure, the rejection of the bride, the bed trick, and The catastrophe must not be the result of an accident or
the ultimate triumph of the enamored woman, is faithfully fate. It must be brought about by the main character or by
recreated in All's Well That Ends Well. There are differences, characters the protagonist has forced into impossible
however. In her management of the count's estate, for situations.
example, Giletta has many more opportunities to show her Despite their flaws or indefensible actions, the hero must
intelligence and capabilities than Helen does, and the story has have some trait or quality that outweighs their defects and
the tone of a simple folktale where the plucky heroine interests the audience, so they care for the hero's fate more
triumphs. But in All's Well That Ends Well the tone is more than for anything else in the play.
cynical. New characters, such as the countess, Lafew, and

Parolles are introduced to add more perspectives to the story.
Histories
The young count is made into a much more disagreeable
character than he is in Boccaccio's story, and Helen's
Plays based on actual history existed before Shakespeare's
motivations and tactics are less than noble. In general,
time, but they were considered a subset of tragedy. During the
Boccaccio's story is considered a much simpler tale overall, an
English Renaissance, they emerged as a separate genre.
entertaining folktale romance with an emphasis on action,
Shakespeare's plays targeted a particular place (England) and
showing little interest in the characters' psychological
time period, so his histories share the following traits:
motivations. Shakespeare's story seems more intent on
upending fairy-tale conventions and introducing a strong They retell real events in medieval English history. Eight
element of reality. plays cover the Wars of the Roses (1455–85), a battle for
the throne between the House of Lancaster, whose badge
was a red rose, and the House of York, whose badge was a
Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide In Context 3
white rose.
The "Problem Comedies"
All are based on the lives of English kings.
All contain social and political commentary of some sort. Many scholars believe at least three of Shakespeare's
Most focus on claims of legitimacy to the throne, or to plays—Measure for Measure (1603–04), Troilus and Cressida
participation in government. (1601–02), and All's Well That Ends Well (1601–05)—defy
categorization. In fact, they are sometimes labeled the
Other plays that might appear to be histories—Macbeth
"problem plays," or "problem comedies." Each of them contains
(1606–07), Julius Caesar (1599–1600), and Antony and
the elements of a Shakespearean comedy but none of the
Cleopatra (1606–07)—are generally grouped instead with the
three have a straightforward tone, shifting from comedy to
tragedies, since the emphasis is on the human stories rather
drama, and sometimes even to tragedy.
than the political elements.
In the case of All's Well That Ends Well many readers and
critics have had difficulty reconciling the more realistic and
Comedies sometimes thorny story at the center of the play with the
accepted elements of a Shakespearean comedy. Those
Comedies include such light fare as A Midsummer Night's
elements, which include lovers overcoming obstacles on their
Dream (1595–96) and The Taming of the Shrew (1590–94), as
way to a happy ending, are played out in ways that leave many
well as some of Shakespeare's darker and more disturbing
audiences feeling uncomfortable and unfulfilled. The overall
plays, including The Tempest (c. 1611) and, surprisingly, The
tone also meanders between light comedy and something
Merchant of Venice (1596–97). Comedies are not necessarily
much more dark and cynical.
funny, although they usually contain comic elements. Despite
vast differences in overall tone, the plays share the following For example, the play begins during a time of mourning with
characteristics: references to the deaths of two beloved patriarchs. The
dialogue then shifts to focus on the fading health of the king of
events that lead toward marriage and an ostensibly "happy"
France. These details do not set the audience up for a
ending
lighthearted romp. More unsettling still are the "lovers" at the
a focus on love and the obstacles to its fulfillment
heart of the story. The heroine, Helen, has set her sights on
comic misunderstandings
Bertram, a young man whose flaws make it almost impossible
miscommunication between generations
for an audience to like him. He is callow, spoiled, and
mistaken identities and gender switches
petulant—even his mother sees his shortcomings. Bertram also
humor through language: wordplay, clever metaphors, and
treats Helen, as well as other women, as objects for him to use
insults
as needed and dispose of when done. He is also more class-
The three categories have always proven problematic for conscious than any of the other characters, disdaining Helen's
scholars because the genres overlap in so many of love for him simply because she is from a lower social class
Shakespeare's plays. Tragedies such as Macbeth (1606–07) or than he. Helen, in turn, is presented as the bright and
Julius Caesar (1599–1600) have strong historical elements. resourceful heroine, much admired by her elders, but her
Similarly, many of the histories play out like tragedies. Both obsession with Bertram raises questions about her own sense
tragedies and histories may contain scenes of pure comedy, of self-worth as well as her judgment. In addition, she achieves
while several so-called comedies have dark or tragic her goals using methods that raise uncomfortable ethical
moments—or disturbing, unsatisfying conclusions—that take issues. She fools Bertram with "the bed trick," in which she
the audience on a much more serious journey than they may takes the place of another woman Bertram has been trying to
have anticipated. Comedies also sometimes function as satires seduce. Helen has paid the young woman to help her, thereby
intended to explore the human condition, bringing them even drawing an innocent girl into her scheme and causing her name
closer in tone to the more serious dramas. to be compromised.
Bertram is forced to admit what he has done and accepts

Helen as his wife only when he no longer has a
choice—circumstances that call the "happy ending" into

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Author Biography 4
question. Bertram subtly makes it clear he will accept the scholars to the conclusion he was born on April 23 of that year.
marriage and will love Helen only if Helen can prove she is Birth records were not usually kept in Shakespeare's time,
indeed carrying his child. Even the king of France does not although church records—baptisms, weddings, burials—were
seem certain this is a happy ending, and his closing line, "All yet kept fastidiously by clergy.
seems well, and if it end so meet, / The bitter past, more
welcome is the sweet," contains more than a hint of skepticism. Shakespeare's family was solidly middle class, and he would
have had a typical education for an English boy of his time at a
Critics who defend All's Well That Ends Well as a comedy public school endowed by Elizabeth I. This education would
believe others are looking at the play's plotline and characters have included studying the Latin language and Roman and
with modern eyes, without taking into account the context of Greek classical literature. At age 18 Shakespeare married
the time or the conventions of early modern comedy. The "bed Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his elder who was
trick," for example, is a staple of folklore and Renaissance already pregnant with their daughter Susanna. Anne gave birth
literature, and would have been seen by audiences at the time to twins—Judith and Hamnet—a few years later. Church
as a humorous strategy that not only showed determination records reveal Hamnet died in childhood.
and resourcefulness, but also offered proof of just how far one
lover was willing to go to demonstrate their love for the other.
As for the shallow actions of Bertram, it can be argued he is Theatrical Life
simply a young man who is not yet 20 and is, therefore, still
immature and rebelling against being told what to do. As for his Shakespeare moved to London to pursue a career as an actor
sexual adventures, they are, perhaps, not very different from and playwright, and, over time, he achieved success. He
those of most other young noblemen. Critics also point out, became a shareholder in the open-air Globe Theatre in London
given the class distinctions of the time, Bertram was not and had widespread fame as a playwright whose works
entirely wrong to be unhappy at the match that was being included romantic and classically inspired comedies, histories,
forced upon him. and tragedies. He is credited with writing at least 37 plays and
over 150 sonnets.
Finally, Shakespeare may also have been poking fun at the
conventions of romantic comedy, fairy tales, and wish Throughout his career Shakespeare and his fellow actors were
fulfillment with this play, turning those fantasies on their ear by supported by the patronage of the nation's monarchs—first by
introducing a strong dose of reality. Human relationships and Elizabeth I (1533–1603), under whose reign Shakespeare's
love are complex; people behave badly to get what they want; company was known as The Lord Chamberlain's Men. When
and young people often take bad advice from friends rather James I (1566–1625) assumed the throne in 1603, the company
than listening to the wisdom of their elders. With All's Well That was renamed the King's Men. Although many of Shakespeare's
Ends Well, Shakespeare may have been intending to show his plays were written for performance at the Globe, the King's
audiences a fractured fairy tale that is a much more realistic Men also performed at the nearby Blackfriars Theatre, a
depiction of human nature. smaller indoor space, after 1608.
a Author Biography Retirement and Legacy

In 1610 or 1611 Shakespeare retired, moving back to Stratford-
upon-Avon. Despite his retirement from London life, the
Childhood and Family Life playwright continued to do some writing, contributing to Henry
VIII and Two Noble Kinsmen as well as to another play,
The childhood of William Shakespeare is a murky area for
Cardenio, now lost. Scholars believe these final works to be
scholars because few records of his early activities exist. Very
collaborations with John Fletcher (1579–1625), another
little is known about his birth, education, or upbringing.
playwright.
However, according to church records, he was baptized on
April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, which leads Shakespeare most likely died on April 23, 1616, leading to the

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Characters 5
romantic notion he was born and died on the same date, the king forces him to comply, Parolles encourages Bertram to
although there are no records of the exact date of either event. abandon Helen to fight in the Tuscan wars. Bertram runs off,
He was 52 at his death and was buried on April 25 at Holy sending Helen a note saying he will not marry her until she
Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon. Over 400 years after wears his family ring, which he never takes off, and becomes
his death, Shakespeare is still regarded as the greatest pregnant with his child. Bertram proves to be an able leader in
playwright of the English-speaking world. the wars but, otherwise, continues to be a cad, attempting to
seduce a virtuous, young noblewoman named Diana by
promising to marry her. Luckily, Diana has been recruited by
h Characters Helen to help her in a scheme that will allow Helen to meet
Bertram's impossible requirements. Only when Bertram has
been tricked, embarrassed, and shamed does he finally realize
Helen is superior to him, and he promises to love her from that
Helen point on.
Helen is a clever, determined, and beautiful young woman, the

orphaned daughter of the famous doctor Gerard de Narbon. Parolles
Because of her intelligence and good nature, she is admired by
almost all who know her. She loves young Bertram, the new Parolles is Bertram's closest companion. But Parolles is also a
Count of Rossillion, who has been called to the court of the liar, a coward, a human parasite, and a terrible influence on
ailing king of France after the death of his own father. Using Bertram, usually advising the young man to do exactly the
the medical knowledge she gained from her father, Helen wrong thing: abandon his wife, run away to the wars, and
cures the king of France and is given her choice of husband as seduce young women whenever he can. Luckily, everyone but
a reward. She chooses Bertram, who is forced to marry her but Bertram sees Parolles for what he is. First Lord Dumaine and
is resentful of the situation and disturbed by Helen's lack of Second Lord Dumaine, friends of Bertram's, devise a trap to
social standing. Before the marriage can be consummated, he show Bertram Parolles is not only a liar and a coward but
abandons her to fight in the Tuscan wars and sends a letter disloyal. Parolles's one redeeming feature is once his
saying he will not marry her until she wears his family ring, weaknesses are revealed and Bertram casts him off, he takes
which he never takes off, and becomes pregnant with his child. full ownership of his flaws. He also decides not to hide away in
Helen displays both her determination and resourcefulness by shame but, instead, to move forward with his life.
devising a scheme where she tricks the young man into
relinquishing his ring to an ally of Helen's, a woman he has
been trying to seduce, and then taking her place in the
woman's bed. When her scheme is successful, the entire court
King of France
rejoices, and even Bertram realizes she is a woman worthy of
The king is a good man, beloved by his subjects. Once a valiant
his love.
warrior, he is now close to death and hopes only to die before
he stops being a good example to the younger people of his
country. When Helen miraculously cures him, the king of
Bertram France shows his gratitude by giving Helen her choice of
husband and then making sure Bertram's arrogance does not
Bertram is a callow and selfish young man who becomes get in the way of their marriage.
Count of Rossillion after his father's death. He has an inflated
sense of his own importance and social rank, and resents
being told what to do. For that reason, he chooses Parolles—a
liar and coward who tells Bertram just what he wants to
Countess
hear—as his adviser and closest companion. When Bertram is
The Countess of Rossillion, like many of the older characters in
commanded by the king of France to marry Helen, he initially
this play, is good, wise, and perceptive. She loves her son but
resists the order because of her lack of social standing. When
sees his flaws and does not hesitate to berate him when he

behaves badly. She is also quick to embrace Helen as a

daughter despite the girl's lack of wealth or social status. The
countess sees Helen as a perfectly suitable match for her son.

Character Map
Helen
Clever young woman;
Guardian schemes to get what
she wants
Healer
Raised
together
Bertram
Guardian
King of France Callow, self-absorbed Parolles
Ailing ruler young man; runs away Companions Lying braggart
from marriage
Mother
Countess
Wise older woman
Main Character
Other Major Character
Minor Character

Full Character List The fool, whose real name is Lavatch, is

the clown who lives in the countess's
Fool home. Though he is a court jester, he is
much sharper than most of those
Character Description
around him.
A clever, resourceful young woman of

First gentleman is one of two soldiers
Helen Rossillion, Helen is in love with the
First who bring Helen a letter from Bertram
countess's son Bertram.
gentleman after he runs away to Italy to avoid his
marriage.
After his father's death, Bertram
becomes the new Count of Rossillion. A
Bertram Second gentleman is one of two
callow, self-absorbed young man, he
Second soldiers who bring Helen a letter from
rejects Helen's love.
gentleman Bertram after he runs away to Italy to
avoid his marriage.
Parolles is Bertram's most trusted
companion. Unfortunately, he is also a
Parolles The gentleman, whom Helen knows to
liar, a coward, and a terrible influence
be a member of the court in France,
on the young man.
Gentleman tells her the king of France has gone to
Rossillion and agrees to take a letter
The king of France is well loved by his there from Helen to the king.
King of
people but near death. Cured by Helen,
France
he becomes devoted to her happiness.
A wise, old, French nobleman, Lafew is
Lafew
a good friend of the countess.
The countess, a wise and perceptive
Countess woman, is Bertram's mother, but she
The First [Court] Lord is one of the
loves Helen like a daughter.
First [Court] available bachelors in the king of
Lord France's court from whom Helen may
The Count of Rossillion is Bertram's choose a husband.
Count of father, who dies just before the play
Rossillion begins, and is only mentioned by the
The Second [Court] Lord is one of the
other characters.
Second available bachelors in the king of
[Court] Lord France's court from whom Helen may
Diana is a young noblewoman of choose a husband.
Florence whom Bertram attempts to
Diana
seduce, but who becomes Helen's ally
Mariana is a neighbor of the widow of
in tricking him. Mariana
Florence and Diana.
The Duke of Florence is the ruler of

Duke of Gerard de Narbon is Helen's deceased
Florence and one of the leaders in the
Florence father, physician to Bertram's father,
Tuscan wars. Gerard de
who dies six months before the play
Narbon
begins and is only mentioned by the
A good-natured man and a friend of other characters.
First Lord Bertram's, the First Lord Dumaine tries
Dumaine to show the young count Parolles is The page calls Parolles away from his
leading him astray. conversation with Helen when it is time
Page
for him to leave for France with
The younger Second Lord Dumaine is Bertram.
Second Lord very much like his brother, and he also
Dumaine attempts to guide Bertram toward a
better life.

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Plot Summary 9
The first soldier helps capture Parolles

in Act 4, Scene 1 when First Lord
Act 2
First soldier Dumaine begins their plan to trick
Parolles and expose his true nature to Helen is successful, and, as a reward, the king of France offers
Bertram. her any man she chooses to marry. Helen immediately selects
Bertram, but the young man is upset he is being forced to
The second soldier goes to fetch marry and horrified his wife will be so far below him in social
Second
Bertram and Second Lord Dumaine in
soldier standing. He still marries her rather than risk the king's
Act 4, Scene 1.
displeasure, but he abandons her before the marriage is
consummated—to fight in the Tuscan wars.
A servant appears in Act 4, Scene 3 to
let the First Lord Dumaine and Second
Servant
Lord Dumaine know Bertram will be
late.
Acts 3 and 4
The steward, who serves in the In a letter he sends back to his bride, Bertram tells Helen he
countess's court, overhears Helen
musing on her feelings for Bertram and will only acknowledge her as his wife if she can get the family
Steward
tells the countess about it. Later, he ring from his finger and become pregnant with his child. He is
carries letters to and from the confident the tasks are impossible, but Helen immediately
countess, Helen, and Bertram.
begins to devise a plan to meet his challenges.
The widow of Florence gives Helen leaves home, supposedly on a pilgrimage, and later
Widow of permission for her daughter Diana to
starts a rumor she has died of grief. She heads to Florence
Florence help Helen in her scheme to win
Bertram. where Bertram has proven himself to be a strong leader in war.
Unfortunately, he is still a callow young man and is attempting
to seduce Diana, a young noblewoman in the town who wants
nothing to do with him. Helen takes advantage of the situation,
k Plot Summary engaging Diana in a subterfuge. Diana tells Bertram he must
give her his ring as proof of his sincerity and she will give him
her ring in return. Only then will she allow him in her bed.
Bertram complies, Diana gives Bertram Helen's ring, and Helen
Act 1 takes Diana's place in the darkened bedroom.
The Count of Rossillion has died, and his wife, the countess,
and son Bertram are grieving their loss. Both are also
distressed because Bertram is now a ward of the king of
Act 5
France and must leave home to attend the ailing king at his
The war ends, and Bertram returns to Rossillion, now leaving
court. Bertram's departure is also devastating for a young
Diana behind. The king of France is paying a visit, and it is
woman named Helen, the orphaned daughter of a skilled and
decided the "widowed" Bertram will now be wed to another
famous doctor. Helen, now a ward of the countess, has loved
young woman of the court. Bertram agrees, since this girl is his
Bertram from childhood. However, she is far below him socially
equal in social standing, and offers a ring as his pledge to
because she has no formal title, and feels she could only
marry. The king recognizes the ring as the one he had given
dream of marrying him.
Helen. The king begins to question Bertram, thinking he may
The countess learns of Helen's love and gives her blessing for have been responsible for Helen's death. To make matters
the girl to follow Bertram to Paris, ostensibly to cure the king of worse, Diana arrives at court saying Bertram had seduced her
France using the medicines left to her by her father. and promised to marry her, strengthening the king's suspicions
Bertram killed Helen.
At that moment, Helen appears, astonishing everyone. She

reveals not only she is alive but also she has Bertram's ring and
is pregnant with his child. Bertram realizes she has fulfilled the
challenges he set out for her and agrees to marry her and love
her from that point on. Despite the challenges and subterfuge,
everyone is ostensibly content and feels that "[a]ll's well that
ends well."

Plot Diagram
Climax
7
Falling Action
6
Rising Action
5 8
4
9
3
Resolution
2
1
Introduction
Climax
Introduction
7. Helen proves she has met Bertram's challenges.
1. Bertram is called to the court of the ailing king of France.
Falling Action
Rising Action
8. Bertram acknowledges Helen has succeeded.
2. Helen follows Bertram to Paris and cures the king.
3. The king gives Helen Bertram's hand in marriage as a

reward. Resolution
4. Resentful, Bertram runs off to the Tuscan wars.
9. He vows to accept her as his wife.
5. Bertram challenges Helen to get his ring and bear his child.
6. Helen obtains the ring and employs the bed trick.

Timeline of Events
The beginning
Bertram's father dies, making the young man the new

Count of Rossillion.
Shortly after
Bertram, called to court by the ailing king of France, says

goodbye to his mother, the countess.
A few days later
Helen, a doctor's daughter who has loved Bertram since

childhood, follows him to Paris.
Several days later
Using medicines left to her by her father, Helen cures the

king of France.
Shortly afterward
As a reward, the king of France allows Helen to choose

any man she wishes for her husband.
Immediately following
Helen chooses Bertram, who resents being forced to

marry a woman from a lower class.
The same night
Bertram heads off to war before the marriage can be

consummated, and Helen returns to Rossillion.
Several days later
Helen receives a letter from Bertram explaining what she

must do for him to consider her his wife.
Shortly after
Helen, worried for Bertram's safety, paves the way for

him to come home by going on a pilgrimage.
Over several weeks

In the Tuscan wars Bertram proves to be a good soldier

and strong leader.
Some time later
In Florence Helen meets Diana, a young noblewoman

Bertram has been trying to seduce.
Soon after
Helen enlists Diana's help in tricking Bertram.
Soon afterward
Helen obtains Bertram's ring and takes Diana's place in

the girl's bed.
Around the same time
Helen spreads a rumor she has died from grief, and

Bertram believes it.
A few weeks later
Bertram returns to his home, only to be followed by

Diana, who says he had promised to marry her.
Immediately afterward
The king of France, visiting Rossillion, interrogates

Bertram and catches him in a web of lies.
Immediately following
Just as Bertram seems doomed, Helen appears with his

ring and says she is pregnant with his child.
Moments later
Bertram agrees to love Helen, everyone is satisfied, and

"all's well that ends well."

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Scene Summaries 14
c Scene Summaries Analysis

The opening scene introduces key characters and provides the
information necessary for the audience to understand the
Act 1, Scene 1 repercussions caused by the death of Bertram's father.
Bertram has not only lost a parent, but he must also suddenly
leave his home and his widowed mother, which makes him feel
Summary his father's death even more strongly. The countess is
attempting to cope with the double loss of her husband and
The play opens during a time of mourning. The Count of son, but she puts up a stoic front and sends her son off with
Rossillion has died, and his wife, the countess, and son wise advice. Yet it is the least of the losses—Helen's impending
Bertram are grieving their loss. The countess feels she is about loss of Bertram, who seems barely conscious of her
to lose her son as well. Upon his father's death, Bertram, who is existence—that will drive the events of the play.
not yet of age, has become ward to the ailing king of France;
Helen is a romantic, comparing Bertram to a bright star and
the king has now summoned Bertram to his court. Lord Lafew,
sighing over their separation more than she mourns the father
an older nobleman, reassures Bertram and his mother the king
who raised her and died only six months before (as Bertram
is a good man, despite his illness. The countess and Lafew
reveals in the next scene). She longs for Bertram, even though
note how unfortunate it is Gerard de Narbon, a talented
it is clear Bertram thinks of her only as a childhood
physician who worked in the Count of Rossillion's court, has
acquaintance, barely worth noticing because she is from a
recently died. A good man "whose skill / was almost as great
lower class. However, Helen reveals herself to be much more
as his honesty," they are certain Gerard de Narbon could have
intelligent, strong, and determined than Bertram realizes. She
cured the king.
has the admiration of the countess and is able to hold her own
Gerard de Narbon's daughter, Helen, was raised in the Count with the lewd Parolles. It is also clear she is devising some
of Rossillion's household and is now a ward of the countess. intricate plot to win Bertram back, something to do with the
The older woman introduces Helen to Lafew and says Gerard king's health.
de Narbon's virtues live on in his daughter. Helen begins
weeping. As Bertram prepares to leave for France with Lafew,
his mother gives him some last words of advice, telling him, Act 1, Scene 2
"Love all, trust a few, / Do wrong to none." The two men then
depart, with Bertram asking Helen to care for his mother.
Once she is alone, Helen admits to herself her tears are not for
Summary
her father, but because she is deeply in love with the
This brief scene introduces the audience to the king of France,
countess's son and because, "There is no living, none, / If
who appears to be not only a strong leader, but also a wise and
Bertram be away." She also considers how Bertram is like "a
generous man. He greets the newly arrived Bertram with
bright particular star / ... so above [her]," it is useless to hope to
tremendous warmth, saying, "My son's no dearer." He then
marry him. As she continues to recall Bertram's charms,
shares his own memories of Bertram's father, the Count of
Parolles, another courtier who will be accompanying the young
Rossillion. According to the king of France, the count was
count to France, enters the room. Helen considers the man to
strong, courageous, and honorable. He was also a humble man
be a liar, a fool, and a coward, but she nevertheless allows him
who valued the respect of those who were of much more
to engage her in lewd banter about virginity and the eternal
common birth. His father's one wish, the king tells Bertram, was
conflict between men and women. Helen almost reveals she
to not live "[a]fter [his] flame lacks oil," or "to be the snuff / Of
will give herself only to Bertram, but catches herself just as
younger spirits." The king shares a similar sentiment, telling
Parolles is called away. Helen decides to find a solution to her
Bertram he wishes soon to be "dissolvèd from [his] hive," since
problem, saying, "Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie." She
his illness has drained him of his usefulness. He also says he
implies her plan has something to do with the king's illness.
wishes Gerard de Narbon—Helen's father—were still alive,

since the brilliant doctor may have been able to cure him.
Analysis
Act 1, Scene 3 provides echoes of earlier events in the play.
Analysis The countess's banter with the fool is very similar to the
exchange between Helen and Parolles. In both exchanges an
Like the countess, Lafew, Gerard de Narbon, and Bertram's
intelligent, well-bred woman is able to listen to the
father, the Count of Rossillion, the king of France is a member
inappropriate jesting of a man without being intimidated or
of a wiser, older generation that is nearing the end of its time.
offended and then proceeds to prove herself to be superior to
All of them appear to share similar virtues, such as wisdom,
the man in both intelligence and conduct. Similarly, the
compassion, humility, and the willingness to teach the younger
exchange between the countess and Helen reflects the
people how to live a good life. Bertram, in particular, seems to
meeting between the king of France and Bertram. Both the
have been the lucky beneficiary of the lion's share of those
king of France and the countess take on the role of parent,
lessons. Both the countess and Lafew have shown themselves
providing guidance to the young people in their care.
to be admirable advisers, and Bertram's father was clearly an
excellent role model as well. Whether Bertram has learned The exchange between Helen and the countess also reveals
what his elders have tried to teach him is not yet clear, more details about both women. Helen, while desperately in
although early hints of his character suggest he has not. love with Bertram, tells the countess, "I am from humble, he
from honored name" and her parents are of no note. When
Helen says this, she is ostensibly explaining why she cannot be
Act 1, Scene 3 the countess's mother and Bertram's sister, despite the fact
the older woman treats her like a daughter. But the countess,
displaying both empathy and compassion, understands Helen
Summary is actually bemoaning the fact she believes she is not worthy of
marrying Bertram. When the countess forces Helen to admit
The action now returns to the court of the Countess of the truth, Helen finally reveals her love but says she knows she
Rossillion. She is listening to the entreaties of Lavatch, the loves him in vain since she is merely his servant, similar to
court jester or fool, who asks for her permission to marry. He someone who worships the sun but goes unnoticed by it.
says he is "driven / on by the flesh" and his "poor body ...
requires it." He then continues to press his case through a It is also clear, however, Helen does not entirely believe her
combination of off-color humor and comical logic, amusing the own assessment of the situation. She says, "Nor would I have
countess and leading her to say, "Wilt though ever be a foul- him till I do deserve him," which suggests she has plans to
mouthed / and calumnious knave?" make herself worthy. She also admits her plan to go to France
to save the king is primarily motivated by her thoughts of
The countess then asks the fool to fetch Helen. After he Bertram, not any real desire to cure the king. This lack of
leaves, the countess's steward informs her he has heard Helen altruism does not appear to disappoint the countess. She
talking to herself about her love for Bertram. The news does instead seems to admire Helen's determination to achieve her
not surprise the countess, who has heard similar rumors heart's desire, and encourages the girl to go to Paris.
elsewhere. When Helen arrives, the countess, calling herself
Helen's "mother," presses Helen to admit she loves Bertram.
Helen finally does and asks forgiveness, but finds the countess Act 2, Scene 1
not only approves, but also gives Helen her blessing. Helen
then reveals her father has left her some medicines she is
convinced will cure the king of France. The countess
Summary
encourages Helen to take the remedy to France, a journey that
will also allow Helen to pursue the man she loves. Act 2, Scene 1 returns the action to France, where the king of
France is receiving oaths of loyalty from First Lord Dumaine
and Second Lord Dumaine as many of his young lords head off

to war. The king of France encourages them to conduct demonstrates the full extent of her intelligence, courage, and
themselves as "the sons / Of worthy Frenchmen" and determination. She provides myriad reasons for why the king
humorously cautions them to beware the girls of Italy who should trust a young girl when his own doctors have failed. She
might take them captive. The scene is bittersweet, however, appeals to his logic, his faith, and his belief she has the same
because neither the king of France nor his lords expect he will affection for him all his subjects display. She cements that
live to see their return. belief by offering her own life as collateral. Yet the audience is
also aware for Helen, curing the king is really a strategy she is
Bertram, who is attending the king, is frustrated because the using to win Bertram.
king has ordered him to stay behind, saying he is too young to
go to war. As the king of France speaks to his attendants, This scene may make the audience wonder why Helen feels so
Bertram expresses his frustration to Parolles, First Lord strongly about Bertram. In his conversation with First Lord
Dumaine, and Second Lord Dumaine. Parolles suggests Dumaine and Second Lord Dumaine, Bertram reveals himself
Bertram may want to ignore the king of France's orders and to be little more than a shallow, petulant child who dreams of
steal off to join the army, a move First Lord Dumaine and going to war and being a soldier. And the lords themselves
Second Lord Dumaine both playfully encourage. For now, don't seem to take him too seriously, with First Lord Dumaine
however, Bertram peevishly says he must stay with the king. seeming to taunt him—"O my sweet lord, that you will stay
behind us!" Then they tease Bertram about ignoring the king's
In the king of France's chamber, Lafew arrives in a state of command and running away with them. Parolles, ever the bad
great excitement. He tells the king of France a young female influence, more seriously encourages him to defy the king and
doctor has arrived with a cure for the king's illness. The king is run off to the wars. Not recognizing the teasing or Parolles's
skeptical, but agrees to see her. Lafew presents Helen and bad advice for what it is, Bertram, at first, agrees but then
leaves her alone with the king of France. He tells Helen he changes his mind and decides to remain with the king.
does not believe she can cure him, and he does not want to
allow himself to hope. But she presses the king to allow her to
try, saying, "My art is not past power nor you past cure." Helen
urges him to at least believe in the power of heaven. He asks
Act 2, Scene 2
her what she offers as collateral, and she says she offers both
her reputation and her life. The king, impressed by her, finally
agrees, but Helen is not done. She elicits a promise from the
Summary
king if she succeeds, "Then shalt thou give me with thy kingly
This brief scene between the countess and the fool provides
hand / What husband in thy power I will command." The king,
the audience with the information the countess is sending the
finally daring to hope, agrees.
fool to Paris to deliver a paper to Helen and retrieve an answer
from her in return. Prior to that command, though, the two once
Analysis again share a brief humorous exchange in which the fool

explains he has no trouble conducting himself appropriately in
The beginning of Act 2, Scene 1 reinforces the audience's initial court. It is simple, he says, because he has one answer that
impression of the king of France. He is a good man, beloved by can be used in response to any question, much "like a barber's
his people, but resigned to his impending death. His chair that fits all buttocks." The answer is simply, "O Lord, sir!"
acceptance of his mortality may explain why, later in the scene, delivered with the appropriate expression and gesture.
he is so reluctant to accept Helen's offer of help. Having come

to terms with death, he does not seem to be able to bear the
possibility a second chance at life is being dangled in front of
Analysis
him, perhaps only to be snatched away. His eventual trust in
In many of Shakespeare's plays, short scenes like this one are
Helen and the hope he finally allows himself to feel are both
used as devices to provide comic relief and serve as a "bridge"
surprisingly poignant.
between more important episodes. In this case the scene is
In this exchange with the king of France, Helen finally also used to satirize courtly manners. The audience can

imagine a foppish gentleman (or shallow lady) in court unworthy of Helen, but insists Bertram take Helen's hand in
responding to every question with these words, a fluttering marriage or suffer the king's "revenge and hate." Realizing he is
hand gesture, and a slight laugh, gasp of astonishment, or on dangerous ground, Bertram grudgingly says he now realizes
other embellishment that fits the question. Since the comic the woman he thought was "most base" is in truth the "praisèd
actors of Shakespeare's day were skilled at improvisation, it is of the King" and ennobled as a consequence. He agrees to the
likely the actor playing the fool continued the scene for as long match, and the king of France announces the ceremony will be
as he could keep people laughing. held immediately.
All but Lafew and Parolles exit. Lafew tells Parolles it is good
Act 2, Scene 3 his "lord and master" recanted. Parolles bristles at being
labeled a servant and the men get into a war of words. Lafew
easily bests the younger man and then heads off to see what is
happening elsewhere. Stewing in resentment, Parolles vows to
Summary best Lafew at some point. Lafew returns, announcing Bertram
and Helen have been married and Parolles has a new mistress,
Back in Paris, a miracle has occurred. Parolles, Lafew, and
incensing the younger man even more. When Parolles begins
Bertram watch in astonishment as the king of France enters
sputtering in anger, Lafew concludes he is "not worth another
the throne room, completely cured and accompanied by Helen,
word" and leaves him once again.
whom he calls "my preserver." The king of France orders all of
the eligible lords in court to appear before him. In order to At this point Bertram enters, miserable, and Parolles teasingly
reward Helen as promised, the king will allow her to choose asks his "sweetheart" what is wrong. Bertram says he has been
one of the men at the court to be her husband. Helen tells the forced to marry Helen but vows, "I will not bed her." He swears
young men her only wealth comes from heaven allowing her to he will, instead, go off to the wars in Italy to avoid her. Parolles,
cure the king, and she is a maid. Her only fear, she says, is the seeing a way to get revenge on Lafew and anyone else who
one she chooses will reject her. The king makes it clear, looks down on him, encourages Bertram to proceed with his
however, "Who shuns [Helen's] love shuns all his love in [the plan. Bertram agrees, saying he will send Helen to the
King]." In other words the man she chooses would be wise to countess's house along with a sealed letter that will let his
accept her, or he risks the anger of the king. mother know the hate he feels for his new bride.
One by one Helen addresses the lords, playfully telling each

why she will not choose him to marry her. Finally, Helen turns
Analysis
to Bertram and announces he is her choice. To everyone's
shock Bertram immediately rejects her, asking the king to let All's Well That Ends Well is considered by many critics to be
him choose a wife with "[t]he help of [his] own eyes." Though the most problematic of Shakespeare's comedies, so much so
Helen has cured the king, Bertram insists this is not a valid many don't consider it a comedy at all. Act 2, Scene 3 provides
reason he should be forced to marry her. He goes on to state an example of why this opinion is so prevalent. Helen is
Helen would "bring [him] down," in his social station, since she portrayed as intelligent, admired, well-spoken, and clever.
is nothing more than a poor physician's daughter. Bertram, however, continues to be presented as shallow and
immature. Blinded by his worship of status and rank, he is
The king of France, astonished, tells Bertram rank is just a
unable to see any of Helen's many admirable qualities, even
meaningless title and means nothing when compared with true
when the king offers to raise her status.
goodness and worth. He says if Bertram can love Helen for
herself, he will, as king, bestow upon her the rank, honor, and The audience will likely perceive the dramatic irony working in
wealth Bertram seems to feel is lacking. Amazingly, Bertram the play. Bertram doesn't realize his actions are proving he is
responds he "cannot love her, nor will strive to do 't." the opposite of what he perceives himself to be. He is a spoiled
Embarrassed, Helen does not push the issue, but the king, child, not a respected nobleman. Just as he pouted when he
concerned about upholding his end of the bargain, decides to could not go to war, he now acts like a little boy throwing a
exercise his power. He calls Bertram a "[p]roud, scornful boy" tantrum. He also displays an astonishing disrespect for the

king of France, originally ignoring his statement to shun Helen

is to shun the king and by dismissing the importance of the Act 2, Scene 5
king's return to health at Helen's hands. Also, although Bertram
is ambitious, he doesn't even realize by marrying Helen he Act 2, Scene 5 begins with a conversation between Bertram
would seal a strong relationship with the king. and Lafew. Bertram tells the older man Parolles is a good
soldier and respected by many. Lafew fears he has misjudged
The scene reveals Bertram's values are as far from the king's, Parolles and asks Bertram to make amends between them.
and those of his own father, as it is possible for them to be. Parolles enters and tells Bertram Helen has spoken with the
Both older men demonstrated humility, respected all individuals king and will leave tonight. Bertram says he has prepared for
despite their social station, and valued character over title. It is his own departure and will also leave before he and Helen have
a mystery, then, why Helen would want someone who not only had a chance to consummate their marriage. Lafew, quickly
rejects her, but who is clearly inferior to her in every seeing he has not misjudged Parolles, warns Bertram, "The /
conceivable way. Bertram's "solution" to his problem, which is soul of this man is his clothes"—entirely superficial—and tells
to run away and leave it to his mother to help him sort out his him not to trust him in any important matters. Then Lafew
situation, is further evidence the young man is still a child, leaves.
unworthy of Helen's love. But through this situation,
Shakespeare may simply be showing the reality of love—that Helen enters and is quietly described by Bertram as "my clog,"
even the most intelligent person may adore another who is or obstruction. She tells Bertram she has spoken with the king,
completely unworthy and be blind to their flaws as a result. who, in turn, wishes to have a private conversation with him.
Bertram continues his lie, reassuring Helen the situation they
find themselves in is beyond his control and he will return to
Act 2, Scenes 4–5 her in two days' time. In the meantime he asks her to return to
his mother's home and deliver a sealed letter to her. Helen
responds she will do as he asks and she is in all things his
"most obedient servant." This comment and her other
Summary affectionate and loyal statements make Bertram
uncomfortable, and he asks her to stop. She does, but not
before asking for a farewell kiss, saying, "Strangers and foes
Act 2, Scene 4 do sunder and not kiss." Although there are no stage directions
at this point, Bertram appears to ignore the request though he
This brief bridge scene and the one that follows show may give her a perfunctory peck. In any case he immediately
Bertram's plan being put in motion with Parolles's help. In Act 2, sends her on her way and then tells Parolles he will not return
Scene 4 Helen speaks to the fool, who has traveled to Paris to Helen as long as he can "shake [his] sword and hear the
from the countess's court. He tells her while the countess is drum."
well, she longs to leave this earth and ascend to heaven,
presumably to be with her husband. Parolles appears, looking
for the fool. The fool immediately insults him by suggesting that Analysis
Parolles could have found a fool by looking within himself.
Ignoring him, or perhaps not understanding him, Parolles Bertram's weaknesses become even more apparent in these
delivers the news Bertram must leave tonight on "very serious scenes. Not only is he continuing his childish plan to escape his
business" and the pleasures of the marriage bed must be responsibilities by playing at war—not, apparently, realizing he
delayed. Parolles also says Bertram wishes Helen to make could die or be horribly wounded—but he continues to take
some believable excuse to the king of France and take her advice from Parolles, choosing as his mentor the one individual
leave of him. She will receive additional directions from her everyone else knows is worthless. This is particularly surprising
new husband later. given the role model he had in his father, the wise counsel
available to him from Lafew and his mother, and the advice of a
king who is loved and respected by all who know him.
Bertram's criteria for choosing his adviser, therefore, seems to

be this person agrees with everything he says and helps him for the king of France and rejected a woman who is more than
do whatever he wishes. worthy of his love and admiration. The fool tries to make her
laugh, saying if Bertram continues to "run away" at least he will
Bertram's treatment of Helen continues to show his character not be killed in battle.
flaws. Despite her offers of loyalty and love, he only wishes to
be rid of her. He lies to her about the length of their separation Two gentlemen, first gentleman and second gentleman, appear
and sends her home with a note he hopes will free him of her. with Helen, who is holding a paper. The gentlemen reveal they
He refuses to give her even a meaningful parting kiss. The only have seen Bertram and he has gone to serve the Duke of
sign he might have some decency is his discomfort when Florence in the Tuscan wars. Helen, shaken, reads from the
Helen declares her loyalty to him. This appears to make him letter Bertram has sent her through the gentlemen. In it he
feel guilty, and he asks her to stop. Whether this is a sign he proclaims if Helen can get his ring, which he never removes
will grow in the course of the play is not yet clear. from his finger, and bears his child, even though he will never
lie with her, only then may she call him her husband. He also
writes in the letter, "But in such a 'then' I write a / 'never'" and
Act 3, Scenes 1–2 finishes with "Till I have no wife I have nothing in France."
The countess, furious at Bertram, says she "wash[es] his name

out of [her] blood" and proclaims Helen is her only child. She
Summary adds Helen deserves a true lord and Bertram is only fit to be
one of the boys who might serve her and call her mistress.
When she learns from the gentlemen Parolles is with Bertram,
Act 3, Scene 1 she is certain the "tainted fellow" has, at least in part, corrupted
her son. This does not excuse her son in her eyes, however,
This brief scene introduces the audience to the war. The Duke and she asks the two gentlemen to convey to her son that "his
of Florence, along with the French lord, First Lord Dumaine, sword can never win / The honor that he loses" through his
wonders aloud about the king of France's neutrality in the treatment of Helen.
Italian wars. The lord suggests the war seems holy to the duke
but a black and fearful thing to any who oppose it. In any case The countess leaves with the two gentlemen. Helen is left
it is clear the king of France has allowed his young men to go alone. She rereads the sentence that states, "Till I have no wife
to war simply to allow them an opportunity to gain experience I have nothing in France," and, instead of being angry, she
and prove their manhood. berates herself for driving Bertram to war and putting him in
harm's way. She prays no bullets reach him, for she will feel
she has caused his death. She decides the only solution is for
Act 3, Scene 2 her to flee France, which would give Bertram the freedom to
return home.
Back in Rossillion, the countess is delighted to hear Helen and

her son have married, saying, "It hath happened all as I would
have had it." She wonders, though, why her son has not
Analysis
accompanied his bride home. The fool cautions her Bertram
Once again Helen shows herself to be Bertram's superior in
had seemed melancholy when the fool last saw him, which
every way except for her blindness when it comes to his
perplexes the countess until she reads the letter Bertram has
character. Rather than be angry with him for his treatment of
sent. He reveals in the letter the marriage has "undone" him
her she worries only about his safety, feeling she has driven
and he has wedded but not bedded Helen. He tells his mother
him from his home country. The countess, on the other hand,
he does not plan for the wedding vow to be permanent; he has
recognizes Helen's worth and her own son's lack of honor,
run away, and he will stay away as long as possible.
immediately disowning him and taking Helen as her true child.
The countess reacts not with sorrow but with anger, calling her She also becomes one of the increasing numbers of people
son a "rash and unbridled boy" who has both shown disrespect who feel Parolles is worthless and wicked. It appears only

Bertram trusts the man, which provides more proof of his her worth, and letting the young count know he has caused his
immaturity and lack of discernment. mother great grief. She hopes, she says, the letter will bring
him home and Helen, hearing he is safe, will return as well.
The most important element in Act 3, Scene 2, however, is
Bertram's letter to Helen. He sets up the two conditions that
must be met for her to be able to call him husband. First, she Analysis
must gain possession of a ring that never leaves his finger.
Second, she must become pregnant with his child, though he These two short scenes prepare the audience for the next key
will never lay with her. These conditions are reminiscent of old plot points. Bertram is at war and, surprisingly, seems to have
folktales where a hero or a heroine must accomplish earned the respect of the duke, who has made him "general of
impossible tasks to win a kingdom, the hand of a prince or our horse," or cavalry. Bertram shows surprising humility and
princess, or something else their heart desires. It could be bravery, perhaps indicating he needed to stop being treated
argued Helen has already completed one impossible task by like a boy in order to begin acting like a man. In Rossillion the
curing the king of France. Bertram has now given her the countess learns Helen has done something equally
remaining two. But the audience, unlike those who listened to courageous and self-sacrificing. She has set off alone, as a
the folktales, may wonder if Helen's objective—winning pilgrim, to clear the way for Bertram to return home. Her love
Bertram—is worth her efforts. for him is so great she is blind to any of his faults, saying she is
not worthy of him but can at least serve as his Juno, or
protector. The one suffering the most, however, seems to be
Act 3, Scenes 3–4 the countess. At this point she has lost her biological son and
the daughter of her heart, and she frantically maneuvers the
situation, trying to ensure the safety of both.
Summary
Act 3, Scene 5
Act 3, Scene 3
The Duke of Florence appears with Bertram and Parolles. Summary
Bertram has been named the "general of our horse," and the
Duke of Florence says he has great hopes Bertram will have a Act 3, Scene 5 takes place in Florence, Italy, and opens with
promising future. Bertram modestly replies he is not strong townspeople congregating in the town square. Among them
enough for a position of such responsibility but swears he will are an old widow of Florence, her daughter, Diana, and their
fulfill his duties "[t]o th' extreme edge of hazard." He then asks neighbor Mariana. They are discussing a young French count,
Mars, the god of war, "Make me ... / A lover of thy drum." soon revealed to be Bertram, who has performed admirably in
the wars. Mariana warns Diana to be wary of the man since,
"The honor of a maid is her name, and no legacy is so rich as
Act 3, Scene 4 honesty." The widow of Florence comments Diana has been
approached by Parolles, the count's (Bertram's) companion,
and Mariana immediately condemns him as a "filthy officer," full
The countess receives a letter from Helen, who says she is
of lies, interested only in seduction. Diana promises she will not
repenting for her "[a]mbitious love" by plodding the ground as a
be duped by him.
barefoot pilgrim. She begs the countess to write to Bertram
and let him know she has left, so he might return to Rossillion
A moment later Helen enters in her pilgrim's cloak. The widow
and be safe. Helen ends her letter saying, "He is too good and
of Florence kindly invites Helen to stay with them since they
fair for death and me." The countess wonders what angel will
often host people who are on a pilgrimage. The widow
protect "this unworthy husband" unless Helen herself will pray
recognizes Helen's French accent and mentions a countryman
for him. She asks her steward, who delivered Helen's note, to
of hers, Count Rossillion (Bertram), has come to Florence after
write back to Bertram telling him what Helen has done, praising

fleeing an arranged marriage, but he has done the country out in the coming scenes.
much service. The widow also mentions a man named Parolles
has spoken coarsely of the rejected bride. When asked if the
rumors are true, Helen—continuing to hide her identity—says Act 3, Scenes 6–7
the count is, indeed, a worthy man. In fact, Helen says, he is too
worthy for the common bride he was ordered to marry,
although that woman is good and honest. Diana sighs and
Summary
says, "'Tis a hard bondage to become the wife / Of a detesting
lord." Then the widow of Florence slyly suggests her daughter
Diana, who the count is attempting to seduce, might have the
power to do the poor bride a "shrewd turn if she pleased." Act 3, Scene 6
As they are speaking, a group of soldiers walks by. Bertram Bertram is having a rude awakening, thanks to First Lord
and Parolles are among them. Diana points out Bertram, saying Dumaine and Second Lord Dumaine, brothers who have
he is handsome but he would be a better man if he were befriended him. They tell him in no uncertain terms, Parolles is
honest and loved his wife. She also points out Parolles, saying "a most notable coward, / an infinite and endless liar, an hourly
she would poison him if she were Bertram's wife since it is promise-breaker, / the owner of no one good quality." Their
Parolles who leads him astray. reason for telling Bertram all this is they don't want him to find
himself betrayed by Parolles, should a serious or dangerous
situation arise. Unsettled, Bertram wonders if there is some
Analysis way to test Parolles, and the lords provide a solution. Parolles
has been loudly lamenting the loss of a fine war drum on the
This scene provides the players and sets the stage for a battlefield, a drum he calls an "instrument of honor." They
scheme Helen will soon put in place. First, it places Helen and suggest Bertram allow Parolles to retrieve it, at which point,
Bertram in the same city. This development is an instance of dressed as the enemy, they will capture him and bring him
situational irony—when an outcome is opposite of what is blindfolded to a tent where Bertram waits. They swear within
expected to happen—considering each was trying to get as far minutes Parolles will betray Bertram and give up confidential
from the other as possible. However, it is significant Bertram's intelligence to save his own skin.
flight was motivated by selfishness and dislike, and Helen's
was motivated by love. The scene introduces the virtuous and Parolles appears blustering about the importance of the
kind Diana, who is being pursued by Bertram but is too missing drum and is quickly tricked into volunteering to retrieve
intelligent to fall for his false promises or Parolles's tricks. It it. First Lord Dumaine, Second Lord Dumaine, and Bertram
also provides Helen with an ally, the widow of Florence, who urge Parolles to leave immediately, which he does. The lords
despises Bertram for his attempts to "[c]orrupt the tender then promise Bertram he will have his proof by midnight. First
honor of a maid." Lord Dumaine leaves. Bertram asks Second Lord Dumaine to
go with him to see the beautiful Diana, who, Bertram says, has
What is clear from this exchange is Bertram has not changed been "wondrous cold" and has returned all his letters and
fundamentally although he has proven himself to be a good tokens. The man agrees, and they head off.
soldier. He is still shallow and focused only on his own desires.
He also continues to trust Parolles, who appears to be even
worse than he has previously shown himself to be, actively Act 3, Scene 7
serving as a go-between to help his companion seduce
whatever young girl he chooses. The scene also reveals Helen As Bertram's companions begin to execute their plan to trick
has not yet changed her attitude. She still sees herself as Parolles, Helen and the widow of Florence are hatching a
being too common for the noble Bertram. But the widow of scheme of their own. Helen has revealed her true identity to
Florence's suggestion seems to have given Helen a glimmer of the widow of Florence, proving it as much with a purse of gold
hope and an idea for how she might yet meet Bertram's as with words. She says she is "buying" the widow's help and
challenges and show she is worthy of him, an idea that will play will reward her more if the scheme succeeds. The plan is to

have Diana meet with Bertram and request the ring he wears, a
cherished ring passed down through his family for several Act 4, Scene 1
generations, as proof of his sincerity. Helen has no doubt, to
achieve his goal, Bertram will comply with Diana's request for
the ring, and she tells Diana to give him Helen's ring in return. Summary
The last element of the ruse is after receiving the ring, Diana
will appoint a time for a physical encounter but Helen will arrive The plan to capture Parolles is underway with the French lords
in her place. Helen muses Bertram will think he is doing and several soldiers waiting in ambush. They agree to speak
something wicked—deflowering a virgin—when he is actually gibberish when he appears, to give the impression they are
doing his lawful duty by his wife. The widow of Florence agrees from another country, and appoint one man to act as
to the plan, which they decide to begin carrying out that very interpreter. Parolles enters, unaware of the waiting soldiers,
night. and speaks honestly for the first time. He realizes he must
come up with a plausible reason for not returning with the
drum since he knows his "tongue is too foolhardy" and he has
Analysis disgraced himself too often lately. He considers giving himself
some cuts, breaking his sword, and tearing off his clothes, so it
Scenes 6 and 7 put two schemes in motion, both of which are will appear as though he was stripped naked during an attempt
designed to fool the two men who to this point have been the to retrieve the drum.
least admirable ones in the play. The tricking of Parolles is
more than justified. He has shown himself to be as deceitful Before Parolles can continue, First Lord Dumaine and first
and untrustworthy as a man can be, and a terrible influence on soldier seize him and blindfold him, speaking unintelligibly. The
Bertram. His every action is executed with an eye to improving one "translator" informs Parolles their general may be willing to
his own situation, yet his rude manners and disrespect for save his life if he provides useful information. Parolles swears
people who could actually help him doom him to failure. It does he will divulge "all the secrets of our camp," including the
not say much for Bertram, then, that this is the man he number of soldiers and their plans, and will provide them with
chooses to be his adviser and companion, and, indeed, every enough intelligence to astonish them. The soldiers take him
bit of advice Parolles gives Bertram, from leaving France to away while First Lord Dumaine tells second soldier to find his
betraying Helen, is ignoble and wrong. The scheme proposed brother Second Lord Dumaine and Count Rossillion (Bertram),
by First Lord Dumaine and Second Lord Dumaine provides so the count may observe Parolles's treachery firsthand.
Bertram with an opportunity to escape from Parolles's

influence.
Analysis
Helen's scheme is a bit more problematic for modern
audiences to accept. It is still mystifying why she is so In this scene Parolles shows he is very aware of his flaws, but
enamored of Bertram, and even more so after learning her he also has no plans to change. He simply worries his tendency
husband wants to corrupt Diana. It is also a bit surprising she to prattle and deceive others may land him in trouble. His plans
plans to use the virginal Diana to achieve her goals and the for telling a believable story—complete with one variation
widow of Florence agrees to the ruse, not so much out of a where he leaps 30 fathoms (180 feet) to safety from the
desire to see a deceitful man shamed, or a lawful wedding window of a citadel—to the count, upon Parolles's return, were
consummated, but because Helen promises her riches. Trying likely delivered comically, providing the audience with an
to understand the play psychologically is highly unsatisfying; opportunity for some welcome laughter.
it's easier to enjoy All's Well that Ends Well as a kind of
The nonsense language of the soldiers and the speed with
variation on a folktale, with the plucky heroine using her wits to
which Parolles agrees to betray his own army may also have
meet the impossible goals set by her beloved. In addition, the
added to the comic effect, with Parolles promising not only to
"bed trick," in which one person takes the place of another,
divulge information but to provide details they "will wonder at."
was a staple of Renaissance comedy and therefore would
When asked if he will deliver this information faithfully, he
have been enjoyed by Shakespeare's audiences.
responds, "If I do not, damn me." He doesn't realize, of course,

he is damning himself if he does reveal critical information to both deceitful and callow, all willing to swear the same oaths to
the "General"—in actuality, The French lords and his friend take advantage of women who are smarter than they realize. In
Bertram. some ways Diana provides the "missing piece" to Helen's
character since she is able to see Bertram for what he is and
will take delight in helping to trap him.
Act 4, Scene 2
Act 4, Scene 3
Summary
Bertram has come to Diana still hoping to win her Summary
affections—or, more truthfully, win his way to her bed.
Referring to her earlier coldness, he warns her that "if the Act 4, Scene 3 begins with First Lord Dumaine and Second
quick fire of youth" does not light her mind, she is no more than Lord Dumaine discussing what they have learned of Bertram's
a statue. Diana reminds him he should be making love to his behavior. They know he received a letter from his mother,
wife, not her. Bertram swears he was forced to marry but he criticizing him, and have heard rumors of Helen's death, from
truly loves Diana. She counters he will say anything necessary grief, in a distant monastery. The lords condemn Bertram, for
to bed her, but having accomplished that, he will leave her. rejecting "so good a wife and so sweet a lady." They have also
learned because of his actions, Bertram has incurred the wrath
Bertram continues to pledge his love, saying he is not like other of the king of France. Bertram has further shamed himself, the
men and if she gives herself to him his love will remain as Second Lord reveals, by spoiling a chaste woman of Florence
strong in the future as it is at present. Diana, though, says she and giving her his family ring. They suspect the news of Helen's
requires more than a verbal promise—she wants the ring death may make Bertram glad, but they are also certain that
Bertram wears. He protests it is not his to give since it "[t]he great dignity ... his / valor ... here acquired for him shall at
represents the honor of his house and has been passed down home be / encountered with a shame as ample." Their one
through generations. Diana responds her honor is equally hope is after learning the truth about Parolles's flawed
valuable, the jewel of her own family, and Bertram finally character, Bertram will "take a measure of his own judgments"
capitulates, giving her the ring. Diana continues on to the next and perhaps rethink his own actions.
phase of Helen's plan and invites Bertram to come to her at
midnight, conquer her "yet maiden bed" and remain there Bertram arrives commenting in one night he has had to deal
without speaking for an hour. She tells him the reasons for her with what normally takes months. His tasks include the death
odd request will be clear when the ring is returned to him and and burial of his wife along with "many nicer needs," by which
she will give him another ring to keep until that time. Bertram he is referring to what he believes to have been his success
leaves swearing he has won a "heaven on Earth." Now alone, with Diana. He then urges the First Lord Dumaine and Second
Diana muses Bertram said all of the things her mother warned Lord Dumaine to bring him proof of Parolles's deceit, calling
her a man would say, even promising to marry her once his him a "counterfeit module." The soldiers arrive with Parolles,
wife is dead. She doesn't feel guilty for helping to trick such a who is still blindfolded, and all of the men except the
dishonest man. interpreter continue the charade of speaking in another
language. Parolles immediately volunteers to tell them all he
knows and then proceeds to do so. He provides specifics on
Analysis the number of troops and horses under Bertram's command.
Parolles also proceeds to slander First Lord Dumaine and
Diana proves herself to be both intelligent and clever in this Second Lord Dumaine, saying one of them, for example, rapes
scene, seeing through Bertram's empty promises and tricking and ravishes women, steals whatever he can, is cowardly,
him into doing exactly what is necessary for Helen's plan to be drinks to excess, and wets the bed. Parolles is also discovered
successful. Her statements, combined with Bertram's actions, to have written a letter warning Diana of Bertram's lascivious
also provide a cynical commentary on men, portraying them as intentions, saying the count is a fool and a liar, a boy "who is / a

whale to virginity" and devours all the little fish he can. Bertram alludes to his conquest of Diana, referring to his achievement
is furious, and the "interpreter" tells Parolles he will likely be of "many nicer needs."
hanged. Parolles, his mind working frantically, begs for life
imprisonment instead, piously stating then he can have more Bertram's own behavior makes his eagerness to condemn
time to repent. The soldier replies the "General" has said Parolles exceedingly contrary. He condemns Parolles as a
anyone who would betray his own companions so readily is of "counterfeit" and a "[d]amnable both-sides rogue" who is
no use in this world and must therefore die. willing to betray not only Bertram but also everyone he has
associated with. For his disloyalty, Bertram says, Parolles
Parolles requests he at least be allowed to see his death, and should be "whipped through the army." What he does not
the soldier quickly removes the blindfold. To his shock Parolles realize is Parolles reflects the worst parts of himself. Through
realizes he has been speaking in front of the very men he has his attempted conquest of Diana, Bertram has shown himself
just maligned. They each greet him with elaborate and to be just as deceitful as Parolles. In addition, because he once
sarcastic politeness and then leave him to his shame, with dark trusted Parolles and now quickly shuns him, Bertram has also
promises to speak of him back in France. Parolles, despite his proven he, too, is no judge of character and is just as disloyal.
true nature being revealed, is relieved to be alive and warns the Bertram ends the scene no more self-aware than when he
audience "that every braggart shall be found an ass." He plans began it. In this way he is even less admirable than Parolles,
to allow some time to pass and then go on with his life, who sees himself for what he is and calls himself an ass.
following the men who have just shown him to be the fraud he
is.
Act 4, Scenes 4–5
Analysis
This scene begins showing the consequences of both
Summary
Bertram's and Parolles's behavior. Parolles's situation is
presented as broad comedy. The soldiers babble in a ridiculous
made-up language—"Boblibindo chicurmurco," for Act 4, Scene 4
example—and Parolles's revelations and insults are both
hilarious and very creative. One of the lords—First Lord Helen brings the widow of Florence and Diana up to date on
Dumaine—utterly amused, even says, "I begin to love him for recent events, including the fact she has spread a rumor of her
this." It is not difficult to imagine audiences laughing and own death. She tells the two women they will now return to
cheering when Parolles's blindfold is removed and he sees France, where Bertram is already heading, and where she will
whom he has been talking to. ask Diana to do one more favor for her. Diana assures Helen
she is at her service, and Helen, insisting they have to leave,
The consequences for Bertram are creeping up on him more promises that "All's well that ends well."
subtly. Unknown to the young count, his actions are the subject
of much discussion with his countrymen. First Lord Dumaine
and Second Lord Dumaine have heard the rumors of Helen's Act 4, Scene 5
supposed death and are disgusted by Bertram's treatment of
her. The king of France, too, is displeased with him, and his Act 4, Scene 5 begins back at Rossillion, with Lafew reassuring
reputation appears on the verge of ruin. The men's attitudes the countess her son is a good man who was misled by a
appear to be more than justified when Bertram appears and, to cowardly "snipped-taffeta fellow." Without Parolles's influence,
explain his lateness, rattles off a list of tasks he needed to Lafew says, Bertram would have remained home and become
attend to that evening including burying and "mourning" his a favorite of the king of France and Helen would still be alive.
wife. The fact this tragic event is buried within the longer list, The two of them bemoan the loss of "the most virtuous
and his mourning can be achieved in an evening, shows not gentlewoman that ever / nature had praise for creating." Now
only how little Bertram cares for Helen but also how oblivious that she has gone, however, Lafew has suggested to the king
he is to how appalling his attitude is. He even thoughtlessly of France Lafew's own daughter marry Bertram, thus ending

the king's displeasure with the young man. The countess Parolles's foolishness is already being talked about. Parolles
approves of the plan and is grateful to Lafew for finding a way throws himself on Lafew's mercy, saying only Lafew has the
to help her son. power to bring Parolles some grace since he was the first to
recognize Parolles's shortcomings. Lafew hears trumpets
announcing the arrival of the king of France but, before he
Analysis leaves, tells Parolles they will talk more and although he is a
fool and a knave, he will be given something to eat and a place
Act 4, Scene 4 and Act 4, Scene 5 reveal all the key characters to stay.
are coming back together. Not only has Bertram recently
arrived home, but Helen, the widow of Florence, and Diana are
also headed to see the king of France, who, they will find, is Analysis
heading to Rossillion himself. Despite the fact the situation
seems tense, Helen seems to believe all will work out in her These two brief scenes are setups for the final confrontation in
favor: it is here she provides the line that gives the play its the play where all story lines will be resolved. In Act 5, Scene 1
name, "All's well that ends well." Helen continues to demonstrate her resourcefulness and pluck
and also shows her unwavering optimism.
Act 5, Scenes 1–2 Parolles, too, has arrived at Rossillion. Although his disgraced
reputation precedes him, he has not given up. He cheerfully
admits to the fool he looks and smells bad, but he still has the
audacity to appeal to Lafew's good nature in the hopes of
Summary being forgiven by the people he betrayed. In that hope he is
fortunate, for once again Lafew proves himself to be a good
and kind man who will forgive even Parolles for his follies.
Act 5, Scene 1
Helen, the widow of Florence, and Diana arrive in Marseilles. Act 5, Scene 3 and Epilogue
Helen sees a gentleman she recognizes from the French court.
He tells her the king of France has gone to Rossillion where
the gentleman is also heading. Helen asks if he would deliver a
Summary
message for her and tells the man she will follow shortly. He
agrees. The widow of Florence laments their journey may have
been for nothing, but Helen reassures her, "All's well that ends
well yet." Act 5, Scene 3
The scene begins with a surprising conversation between
Act 5, Scene 2 Lafew, the countess, and the king of France. They are once
again mourning losing Helen, but the countess begs the king of
France to forgive her son, saying he was only acting out
Parolles has returned to Rossillion, quite a bit the worse for
"[n]atural rebellion done i' th' blade of youth." The king of
wear. He encounters the fool, who at first doesn't recognize
France reassures the countess he has "forgiven and forgotten
him. Parolles says he is not surprised since he is "muddied in
all," and Lafew adds Bertram suffered the greatest tragedy by
Fortune's mood, and smell[s] / somewhat strong of her strong
having lost a woman who approached perfection. The king of
displeasure." He asks the fool to deliver a message to Lafew,
France agrees and tells Lafew to inform Bertram he need not
but the fool has no desire to help Parolles in any way. Luckily
ask the king's pardon, for "[t]he nature of his great offense is
for Parolles, Lafew himself appears. At first Lafew does not
dead." The king only wishes to speed the marriage of Bertram
recognize Parolles either, but Parolles quickly reveals himself.
and Lafew's daughter.
Lafew asks him how his drum is, making it clear news of

Bertram appears, and the king of France once again reassures sometimes laughed with. Diana then asks the king to make him
him all is forgiven. The king then asks if Bertram knows Lafew's swear an oath he has not taken her virginity, to which Bertram
daughter, and Bertram reveals, not only does he know her, he replies she was no more than "a commoner gamester to the
had once hoped to marry her. This is the reason, he says, he camp,"—meaning a woman who has sex with various soldiers.
was unable to appreciate Helen, whom he now realizes he had
also loved. The king of France says Bertram's love for Helen Now Diana pulls out Bertram's ancestral ring, saying if she is a
does him credit, but now the king is eager to finalize the union camp follower then he gave his most precious possession to a
between Bertram and Lafew's daughter. Lafew asks Bertram prostitute. She also says there is a man in
for a token to give to his daughter, and Bertram hands Lafew court—Parolles—who can verify everything she is saying. The
the ring given to him by Diana. king sends for Parolles, and, in the meantime, Bertram
frantically recasts his lies, saying yes, he did sleep with Diana
Lafew immediately recognizes the ring as Helen's. Bertram but she seduced him and he "boarded her i' th' wanton way of
protests this is not the case, but then the king asks to examine youth." She then stole his ring. Sighing, Diana says if he will not
it. He, too, says it is Helen's, for he is the one that gave it to her. have her for a wife then he should give her back her own ring
Even the countess recalls seeing the ring on Helen's finger. and she will return home. The ring, of course, is the one
Bertram, who for a moment had shown a flicker of having Bertram has just said was thrown at him from a window.
matured, dives into another lie. He tells the older people the
ring had been thrown out a window at him, wrapped in a paper Parolles appears and confirms he served as Bertram's go-
containing the name of a woman who wanted to seduce him. between with Diana and Bertram had made love to Diana and
Bertram says he told the woman his honor would not allow him promised to marry her. The king of France now asks Diana
to agree to her request, but she refused to take the ring back. where she got the ring, and she begins to answer in riddles
The king of France, of course, does not believe such an until the king, frustrated but determined to find out what
obvious lie. He informs Bertram Helen told him she would never happened to Helen, threatens to execute Diana if she doesn't
remove the ring unless she gave it to Bertram in bed or had it tell the truth. The young woman continues her perplexing
sent back to the king if she died. Bertram continues to protest, responses, saying of Bertram, "He knows himself my bed he
but now the king suspects Bertram may have had something to hath defiled, / And at that time he got his wife with child. /
do with Helen's death. He orders Bertram to be taken away Dead though she be, she feels her young one kick. / So here's
under guard until the truth can be discovered. my riddle: one that's dead is quick."
The gentleman whom Helen asked help from in Marseilles As she finishes speaking, Helen enters the room. Bertram is
arrives with the message she had given him. It is not from shocked to his core. Helen produces the letter he once sent
Helen, though, but from Diana. The note states Bertram had her, in which he says he would only marry her if she wore his
seduced Diana and promised to marry her upon the death of ring and bore his child. She asks if he will finally be hers now
his wife. Yet when Helen died, he ran from Florence. Diana is that he is "doubly won." Bertram quickly responds if she can
beseeching the king of France to make things right or, "a prove both things, he will "love her dearly, ever, ever dearly."
seducer flourishes, / and a poor maid is undone." Both the king Her increasingly visible pregnancy, Helen says, will make the
and Lafew are furious. Lafew says he would prefer to buy a truth clear. Lafew and the others begin weeping in joy, and the
husband for his daughter at a fair than to see her marry king asks to hear the entire story. He then turns to Diana, now
Bertram. The king sends for Bertram, whom he is now more understanding her role in events, and promises he will pay the
convinced than ever was responsible for Helen's death. dowry for any husband she chooses, much as he once
promised Helen. He then proclaims "[a]ll yet seems well" and
Bertram is brought back to stand before the king, and Diana the bitterness of the past has made the present sweeter.
and the widow of Florence enter the hall. Diana reveals she is
the young woman who sent the note with the ring. Bertram
admits he knows them but is shocked when Diana asks why he Epilogue
looks at her, his wife, so strangely. He swears she is not his
wife, but Diana continues to insist they are betrothed. Bertram The epilogue immediately follows and asks the audience for
swears she is no more than an acquaintance he has applause, saying, "The King's a beggar, now the play is done. /

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Quotes 27
All be well ended if this suit is won, / That you express content, than worthy of the heroine's love. In this case, though, he is a
which we will pay, / With strift to please you, day exceeding flesh-and-blood young man with all of the faults,
day. / Ours be your patience, then, and yours our parts. / Your rebelliousness, and immaturity young men often display. (His
gentle hands lend us, and take our hearts." youth is mentioned several times during the play, and it is likely
he is only in his late teens since he is initially deemed too
young to go to war.) His pride is easily wounded, he resents
Analysis being told what to do, and he ignores the value of what's in
front of him—Helen—in part because others tell him he should
After a lengthy buildup, the ending of All's Well That Ends Well value it. Bertram also has made the mistake of attaching
plays out swiftly, although with a few confusing (for the himself to Parolles, who is the worst possible influence a
characters) twists and turns. Parolles, though not rehabilitated, confused young man can have. A similar argument can be
is forgiven by the good-natured Lafew. Bertram is trapped in made about Helen. Yes, she is intelligent and clever but, at her
his increasingly messy web of lies. Diana sets that stage for core, she is a young girl who has had a crush on Bertram for
the revelation Bertram is a cad, and Helen is alive and appears her entire life, is blind to his flaws, and will do whatever it takes
to claim her "reward"—Bertram as her husband. All players to win him.
seem delighted with the eventual outcome, and events appear
to have fulfilled Helen's prophecy that "all's well that ends well." Even the ending is not unequivocally happy, with Bertram's
pledge to love Helen depending on an "if," and the king
Critics disagree as to whether this ending is actually the observing, "All yet seems well" rather than "all is well."
traditional happy one, though, or a frustrating one. Bertram Shakespeare seems to be implying even fairy tales are
continues to demonstrate such disagreeable qualities that it's a conditional and there are no guarantees in love or life. Only if
mystery why the beautiful, intelligent Helen is so laser-focused audiences also believe Helen can see beyond Bertram's
on him. Even after being to war and supposedly proving himself immaturity to the man she believes he will someday be—and
as a leader, he continues to behave as an immature lothario Bertram is at heart a good man who will come to love
who treats women as interchangeable potential conquests. Helen—can the audience truly believe "[a]ll's well that ends
And when questioned by the king of France, he not only lies, well."
but his lies are ridiculously juvenile and totally unbelievable.
Though it is common for Shakespeare to have a short epilogue
To be able to accept the play as a comedy, therefore, and asking for applause at the end of the play, in this epilogue
Helen's achievement as a triumph, it is helpful to look at the Shakespeare specifically asks the audience to be patient and
play either as a satire or a sort of bawdy fairy tale, not to be content—to simply accept the ending for what it is
examined too on the level of character or psychological perhaps?—and he purposely reminds the audience they have
motivation. Taking the fairy-tale view, Helen is the plucky just seen a play, not witnessed real-life events, by telling them
heroine—poor and in love with a man far above her in rank and the king has become a "beggar"—a poor actor. If the audience
station. She initially wins him through the almost magical feat is pleased, though, there will be more plays to come.
of curing the king of France. But when they are forced to
marry, her husband charges her with two impossible tasks she
must achieve to become his wife. She manages to accomplish
both goals through a combination of subterfuge and
g Quotes
cleverness, and her success at the end can be seen as the
triumph of a clever woman over a foolish man who is finally
"Love all, trust a few, / Do wrong
able to see her worth.
to none."
Unfortunately for those looking for a more playful
interpretation, the lightweight character of Bertram
— Countess, Act 1, Scene 1
undermines audiences' expectations for a fairy tale and
creates a more cynical and satirical tone. The "handsome
prince" is usually portrayed as good, brave, and noble, more The countess gives this advice to her son before he leaves for

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Quotes 28
France, telling him he will do well if he shows love to everyone, — Helen, Act 2, Scene 1
treats them all well, and puts his trust only in those who
deserve it. Within the events of the play to unfold, Bertram will
Helen is trying to persuade the king of France to let her try to
ignore all three parts of his mother's advice.
heal him, saying people often give up hope at the very moment
they should not.
"'Twere all one / That I should love

a bright particular star / and think "It is like a barber's chair that fits
to wed it, he is so above me." all buttocks."
— Helen, Act 1, Scene 1 — Fool, Act 2, Scene 2
Helen bemoans her low social status, feeling it is an impossible In mocking the court, the fool is explaining he has a single
barrier to marrying the man she loves. answer that can be used to respond to any question or
statement put before him. The answer turns out to be "O Lord,
sir!" The fool's joke, mocking the nobility, supports the main
idea in the play social status doesn't determine a person's
"Virginity is peevish, proud, idle,
worth.
made of self-love."
— Parolles, Act 1, Scene 1 "Good alone / Is good, without a

name; vileness is so."
Parolles uses the argument to convince Helen virginity is a
conceit and she would do well to lose it as soon as possible.
— King of France, Act 2, Scene 3
Helen has just told the audience, in an aside, Parolles's
character can make foolishness seem like wisdom, and his
argument about virginity supports Helen's perception of him. The king of France is explaining to Bertram why Helen does
not need a title to make her worthy and goodness and its
opposite are both clear no matter what title a person holds.
"Our remedies oft in ourselves do

lie / Which we ascribe to heaven." "To say nothing, to do nothing, to
— Helen, Act 1, Scene 1
know nothing, and to have nothing
is to be a great part of your title."
Helen takes charge of her own destiny, recognizing it is up to
her, not to prayer, to make her dreams of marrying Bertram — Fool, Act 2, Scene 4
come true.
The Fool shows he sees Parolles for what he is—an empty

person with no redeeming characteristics.
"Oft expectation fails, and most oft
there / Where most it promises."
"There can be no kernel in this

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Symbols 29
light nut. The soul of this man is Let him fear this, for it will come to
his clothes." pass / That every braggart shall be
found an ass."
— Lafew, Act 2, Scene 5
— Parolles, Act 4, Scene 3

Lafew, like the fool, sees Parolles for the weak and
unsubstantial parasite he is and tries to warn Bertram not to
After having been exposed as a liar, coward, and disloyal
trust him.
soldier, the pompous Parolles tells the audience every braggart
will be proven to be a fool in the end.
"Make me but like my thoughts,

and I shall prove / A lover of thy "All's well that ends well ... /
drum, hater of love." Whate'er the course, the end is the
renown."
— Bertram, Act 3, Scene 3
— Helen, Act 4, Scene 4

Bertram proclaims all he cares about is proving himself worthy
in battle, represented by the drum, and the trivialities of love
Helen is comforting the widow of Florence and Diana when
mean nothing to him. However, once distinguished in war, he
their plans go offtrack, telling them as long as everything turns
will quickly turn his thoughts toward seducing Diana.
out the way it should, nothing that happens along the way
really matters.
"No legacy is so rich as honesty."

"Praising what is lost / Makes the
— Mariana, Act 3, Scene 5
remembrance dear."
Mariana, the widow of Florence's neighbor, is warning Diana
about Bertram, saying nothing he can offer her is more — King of France, Act 5, Scene 3
precious than her good name.

The king of France, who still believes Helen is dead, comments
praising her virtues makes the memory of her that much more
"The web of our life is of a mingled precious.
yarn, good and ill together."
— First Lord Dumaine, Act 4, Scene 3 l Symbols

The First Lord Dumaine muses our lives are a mix of virtuous
and regrettable actions. Bertram's Ring
"Who knows himself a braggart, /

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Themes 30
Bertram's ring in All's Well That Ends Well assumes a variety of direct contrast to Bertram's attitude, those who should be
meanings. First, it is a symbol of Bertram's family and his more conscious of status—the countess, Lafew, Bertram's late
legacy and, therefore, represents something he never intends father, and even the king of France—are less concerned with it.
Helen to share. As a result, the ring also becomes a symbol of As the king himself tells Bertram, "Good alone / Is good,
the impossible challenge Bertram gives Helen as a requirement without a name; vileness is so." The king of France's statement
to becoming his wife. This representation of family pride and crystallizes the idea in the play goodness is its own proof. The
honor later becomes a metaphor for Bertram's deceitful nature older and wiser characters in the play admire Helen and feel
when he uses it as a pledge of marriage in order to seduce she is more than worthy of marrying and being loved. Bertram,
Diana, and proof he has been lying to her and the king. When on the other hand, finds himself the subject of a great deal of
Helen finally does meet Bertram's challenge, though, the ring criticism by others, and it is he who must prove his worth both
represents her triumph. to other characters and to the audience. Further, the
characters who themselves are noble within tend to be able to
recognize whether others possess noble qualities. In contrast,
the less noble characters, such as Bertram and Parolles, tend
War Drums to be unaware of the merits of others.
War drums become a sort of shorthand for war itself in the

play. Bertram swears to the god Mars he will become "[a] lover
Determination is the Key to
of thy drum" as he prepares to go into battle. An actual drum
later becomes the undoing of Parolles when it is lost during
Success
battle. Parolles grandly proclaims it a symbol of their victory in
battle, and he insists on being allowed to go look for it, never
expecting anyone to let him. However, at the coaxing of First Helen is faced with what appear to be overwhelming obstacles
Lord Dumaine and Second Lord Dumaine, who want to shame to becoming Bertram's wife. First, she feels "he is so above
Parolles, Bertram agrees the drum is an "instrument of honor" [her]" in social class for her to marry. Next, he is called away to
and encourages Parolles to fetch it. When the cowardly the court of the ailing king of France. Helen overcomes both of
Parolles is unable to fulfill his mission and is captured instead, these obstacles by following Bertram to Paris where she cures
the drum becomes a reminder of the trouble his boasting has the king and is offered a title and her choice of husband as her
gotten him into, and he says, "I'll no more drumming. A plague reward, and she chooses Bertram. But then the next obstacle
of / all drums!" Unfortunately for Parolles, his name becomes presents itself. Bertram runs away from their marriage before
synonymous with his folly, with Lafew jokingly referring to him consummation, and he sets up two impossible challenges that
as Tom Drum. must be met before he will acknowledge Helen as his wife.
First, she must obtain his family ring, which he never takes off.
Second, she must bear his child, though he refuses to lie with
her. But Helen's determination is such that she finds a way to
m Themes accomplish both objectives with the help of some willing
accomplices. She never considers herself beaten and stays
confident she is worthy of Bertram's affections. Her
determination eventually gives her the man she has loved since
True Nobility Is Found Within childhood.
The biggest barrier to marrying Helen, at least in Bertram's

eyes, is she is from a lower class than he. For this reason he
resents being forced to marry her and actually runs away to
war before the marriage can be consummated. However, in

All's Well That Ends Well Study Guide Suggested Reading 31
The End Justifies the Means
Both Helen and Bertram make some poor choices and devise
questionable schemes to accomplish their goals. Neither feels
compunction about his or her actions. Bertram wants to
escape an arranged marriage, and he feels justified in
achieving that goal by heading off to serve in the Tuscan wars
and setting up two impossible challenges for Helen to meet
before he will accept her as his wife. Helen, in turn, wants
Bertram even though he has rejected her, and puts a
somewhat unsavory scheme in place to make it happen. She
employs the aid of a young woman to help her, compromising
the girl's reputation in the process, and uses the infamous "bed
trick" to sleep with Bertram and become pregnant by him. But
by the end of the play, she and Bertram are indeed destined to
become husband and wife, and it appears "[a]ll's well that ends
well"—in other words, everything that has come before that
moment is acceptable as long as the conclusion is satisfying.
e Suggested Reading
Arnold, Catharine. Globe: Life in Shakespeare's London. Simon
& Schuster UK, 2016.
Boccaccio, Giovanni, et al. Decameron. U of California P, 1986.
Cole, Howard C. "Dramatic Interplay in the Decameron:

Boccaccio, Neifile and Giletta di Nerbona." MLN, vol. 90, no. 1,
1975, p. 38.
Mabillard, Amanda. Shakespeare Online, n.d.
Risden, Edward L. Shakespeare and the Problem Play: Complex

Forms, Crossed Genres and Moral Quandaries. McFarland,
2013.
Vineberg, Steve. "Tough Shakespeare: All's Well that Ends Well

& Cymbeline." Critics at Large, 24 Oct. 2011.
All material contained within this document/guide is protected by copyright law of the US and various other
jurisdictions and may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent. Contact Course Hero
with respect to reproduction or distribution. This document was downloaded from Coursehero.com on 07-19-2021
by 100000817764887.

Alls Well That Ends Well

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Alls Well That Ends Well

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

All's Well That

justified by the play's happy ending.

a Author Biography ..................................................................................... 4

Giletta still hopes to earn Beltramo's love and returns to his

handsomely for their aid. Beltramo receives a message from criteria:

the young noblewoman, asking him to send her his ring as a

however. In her management of the count's estate, for situations.

cynical. New characters, such as the countess, Lafew, and

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

Bertram is forced to admit what he has done and accepts

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

a Author Biography Retirement and Legacy

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

Helen is a clever, determined, and beautiful young woman, the

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

behaves badly. She is also quick to embrace Helen as a

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

Other Major Character

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

Full Character List The fool, whose real name is Lavatch, is

A clever, resourceful young woman of

The Duke of Florence is the ruler of

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

The first soldier helps capture Parolles

At that moment, Helen appears, astonishing everyone. She

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

3. The king gives Helen Bertram's hand in marriage as a

6. Helen obtains the ring and employs the bed trick.

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

Bertram's father dies, making the young man the new

Bertram, called to court by the ailing king of France, says

A few days later

Helen, a doctor's daughter who has loved Bertram since

Several days later

Using medicines left to her by her father, Helen cures the

As a reward, the king of France allows Helen to choose

Helen chooses Bertram, who resents being forced to

The same night

Bertram heads off to war before the marriage can be

Several days later

Helen receives a letter from Bertram explaining what she

Helen, worried for Bertram's safety, paves the way for

Over several weeks

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

In the Tuscan wars Bertram proves to be a good soldier

Some time later

In Florence Helen meets Diana, a young noblewoman

Helen enlists Diana's help in tricking Bertram.

Helen obtains Bertram's ring and takes Diana's place in

Around the same time

Helen spreads a rumor she has died from grief, and

A few weeks later

Bertram returns to his home, only to be followed by

The king of France, visiting Rossillion, interrogates

Just as Bertram seems doomed, Helen appears with his

Bertram agrees to love Helen, everyone is satisfied, and

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

c Scene Summaries Analysis

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887

Analysis again share a brief humorous exchange in which the fool

he is so reluctant to accept Helen's offer of help. Having come

Copyright © 2021 Course Hero, Inc. Downloaded on 07-19-2021 by 100000817764887