Act II, Scene VI is a soliloquy delivered by Proteus, wherein he is pondering whether or not to pursue Silvia, the love of his dear friend, Valentine. We see a dramatic change in Proteus by the end of this scene.
Up until this point in the play, Proteus is portrayed as a steadfast friend of Valentine?s. Valentine holds him in high regard and professes this to the Duke prior to Proteus?s arrival in Milan. Proteus is also seen as a loyal lover to Julia, to whom he exchanges oaths of love and rings before he embarks on his journey to Milan. However, upon his arrival in Milan, and his meeting with Silvia, his loyalties change rather quickly. After debating with himself, he concludes that he is now in love with Silvia. He also comes to the conclusion that in order to love Silvia, he must consider Valentine an enemy. Proteus then decides to betray Valentine, to prove to himself that he is true to himself, by informing the Duke of Valentine?s plan to elope with Silvia.
Shakespeare uses strong language to exemplify this change in Proteus. Line 23 of this scene is where the debating with himself ends and the change is initiated; it reads: ?I to myself am dearer than a friend;? (p 49). Here Proteus has made up his mind to forsake his friend, deciding that his own feelings are more important than loyalty to a friend. ?I will forget that Julia is alive, rememb?ring that my love for her is dead.? (p 49) These harsh words bespoke of his ?sweet Julia? clearly show Proteus?s true colors and fickleness.
Bibliography
the two gentleman of verona