The Two Gentlemen of Verona Gender Quotes Page 3

When Speed helps Lance compose a list of Lance's girlfriend's virtues and vices, they argue about whether or not her "slowness in words" should be listed as a "vice" or a "virtue." This joke revolves around a common sixteenth-century belief – the so-called ideal woman was supposed to be virtuous, obedient, and silent.

Here, Silvia refuses to accept the ring Proteus has sent her (by way of Julia, who is disguised as a page boy, "Sebastian"). Silvia insists that she would never do "Julia so much wrong," which gestures at Silvia's capacity for loyalty and solidarity with another woman (unlike Proteus, who is busy stabbing his best friend in the back).

Hmm. Apparently, Thurio isn't attracted to Silvia's free spirit and willful nature. Here, he decides that her "peevish" nature prevents her from being wife material.