Robert Grams Hunter, W. W. Lawrence, Hazelton Spencer, and Robert H. Hethmon concur that the ending of the play is perfectly acceptable. Hunter, Lawrence, and Spencer argue that Shakespeare's audience would have been satisfied with the ending. Hethmon argues that Bertram endures enough suffering to effect a change in his character and thus makes his union with Helena at the end plausible. Michael Shapiro argues that although Helena has succeeded in fulfilling the terms of Bertram's letter, she has failed to secure his love after all until he forgives her and they serve as each other's mutual redeemer. Gerard J. Gross argues that the ending is plausible, but the future happiness of Helena and Bertram will likely be a more subdued one than usually dictated by a romantic comedy. Susan Snyder, Kenneth Muir, and Katharine Eisaman.....
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