All's Well That Ends Well Summary
William Shakespeare

All's Well That Ends Well Overview

Although originally considered a comedy, Shakespeare's All's Well that Ends Well is now considered a "problem play" as critics have had difficulty classifying the darker drama of the play alongside its comedic style. When Helena wins the King's favor by helping to cure his illness, she is allowed to choose a husband. She selects Bertram, who rejects her based on her low social rank. The King orders them to marry and they do so. Bertram, however, leaves for war before the couple consummate the marriage and Bertram declares he will only recognize Helena as his wife after she meets the stipulations he sets forth. For the remainder of the play, Helena hatches plots and tricks others in order to fulfill Bertram's requirements and force him to recognize her as his wife.