At the same time, two lords in the army expose Parolles as a coward and a villain, and he falls out of Bertram's favor. Meanwhile, false messengers have come to the camp bearing word that Helena is dead, and with the war drawing to a close, Bertram decides to return to France.
Unknown to him, Helena follows, accompanied by Diana and the Widow. In Rousillon, everyone is mourning Helena as dead. The King is visiting, and consents to Bertram marrying the daughter of an old, faithful lord, named Lafew. However, he notices a ring on Bertram's finger that formerly belonged to Helena--it was a gift from the King after she saved his life.
Like this: Like Loading Subscribe via Email Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. Interesting Literature. Privacy Policy. Loading Comments SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Book Full Book Quiz. Mini Essays Suggested Essay Topics. Helena The play's heroine.
Bertram The Count of Rousillon since the death of his father, and the Countess' only son. Countess The mother of Bertram, the mistress of Rousillon, and Helena's guardian, she is a wise, discerning old woman who perceives Helena's worth and rejoices when she marries Bertram.
King of France Bertram's liege lord. Lafew An old French nobleman, who offers advice to the King and is friendly with the Countess. Parolles A companion of Bertram, he is a coward, a liar and a braggart, who pretends to be a great soldier when he is nothing of the sort. Through the use of her native wit and the body of knowledge which she inherits from her father, as well as because of her sheer strength of will, she overcomes all obstacles and wins Bertram.
To some commentators on this play, Helena's tactics seem questionable, although no one underestimates her strength of character. Bertram For several reasons, Bertram seems significantly inferior to Helena. He is under the influence of the patently superficial Parolles, and he lies outright on more than one occasion. Furthermore, he blatantly disregards the king's wishes.
To a modern audience, he might seem to have every right to refuse a forced marriage, but to the world which the play inhabits, that is not the case. Besides, Helena is clearly in everyone else's opinion a splendid person.
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