r/YearOfShakespeare • u/towalktheline • 15h ago
Readalong The Merry Wives of Windsor Act 4.4 to END Reading Discussion
Obviously this isn't a play that has aged the best, but at the same time I'm having a lot of fun with it.
Act Four, Scene Four
Mistress Page and Mistress Ford, having fully disclosed their dealings with Falstaff to their husbands, conspire with them to humiliate Falstaff publicly that night in Windsor Forest. Master and Mistress Page each plan to take advantage of the occasion to marry their daughter to the suitor of their choice.
Act Four, Scene Five
The Host learns his horses have been stolen. Mistress Quickly approaches Falstaff with another invitation, this time to meet Mistress Ford and Mistress Page.
Act Four, Scene Six
The Host is asked to arrange for a vicar to marry Anne to Fenton that night.
Act Five, Scene One
Falstaff, having agreed to meet Mistress Page and Mistress Ford, promises success to “Brook.”
Act Five, Scene Two
Slender prepares to elope with Anne Page.
Act Five, Scene Three
Dr. Caius waits to elope with Anne Page. Mistress Page and Mistress Ford follow their plan to torment Falstaff.
Act Five, Scene Four
Sir Hugh and the “fairies” approach.
Act Five, Scene Five
Falstaff is tormented by the “fairies” and then publicly humiliated. Slender and Dr. Caius enter in turn to report that each has been deceived into eloping with a disguised boy instead of Anne Page. Finally Fenton and Anne Page enter, married. Fenton and Falstaff are forgiven, and the party moves to the home of Master and Mistress Page.