The Merry Wives of Windsor Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)

Quote #10

MISTRESS PAGE
Good husband, let us every one go home
And laugh this sport o'er by a country fire—
Sir John and all. (5.5.249-251)

Despite Falstaff's disregard for their values and way of life, the middle class characters decide to invite him to Anne Page's wedding feast at the play's end. Is it Shakespeare's way of portraying the middle class as a warm and welcoming group that's willing to forgive, forget, and embrace outsiders into their communities? Maybe. After all, the Page's end up welcoming Fenton into their family even though he's an aristocrat. But notice that Anne Page ends up marrying a nobleman so, Fenton the aristocrat basically wins out in the end. What do you think?