Critical Essay | Critical Essay by J. L. Simmons

Critical Essay by J. L. Simmons

SOURCE: "Coming Out in Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona" in ELH, Vol. 60, No. 4, Winter, 1993, pp. 857-77.

In the following essay, Simmons considers ways that The Two Gentlemen of Verona exploits Elizabethan theatrical conventions of "The Young Man Leaving Home" in search of wealth, fame, an education, a wife, or some combination of these things—a quest that generally results in the achievement of self-knowledge as well

Though I saw the same argument lately set foorth on stage with more commendation, then I can looke for: (being there much better set forth then I have or can dooe) yet the same matter penned as it is, may serve to lyke good effect.

Arthur Brooke, "To the Reader,"

The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet¹

How can this be? they restles lye, ne yet they feele unrest.
I graunt that I envie the blisse they lived in:
Oh...
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