All's Well That Ends Well Society and Class Quotes Page 3
(Act.Scene.Line)
| Quote #7 But follows it, my lord, to bring me down |
Bertram is a snob who doesn't want to marry Helen because she's a "poor physician's daughter" and her lowly social status could "bring [him] down." Although we can understand why Bertram doesn't want to marry a girl he's not in love with, this is where he begins to lose sympathy points.
| Quote #8 'Tis only title thou disdain'st in her, the which |
This is where the king of France promises to make Helen rich and elevate her social status so Bertram can feel good about marrying her. The king also says that Helen has something even better going for her: she's full of "virtue" (she's a good person and also a virgin). The funny thing is, Bertram still doesn't want her.
| Quote #9 HELEN |
Even after she's married, Helen portrays herself as being unworthy of Bertram's love and affection. Notice the way she uses the word "servant" to suggest that she's an obedient wife who's willing to serve her husband. This word is also a reminder that Helen comes from a lower social class than Bertram. In other words, Helen is being a martyr here and Bertram knows it.
