Act 5, scene 1
Sir Eglamour meets Silvia at an abbey in the evening. Silvia fears they are being watched, but Eglamour reassures her, saying that if they can reach the forest, they will be safe.
Act 5, scene 2
At the Duke’s palace in Milan, Thurio quizzes Proteus about how Silvia has been receiving his overtures of love. Proteus gives a variety of contradictory answers, some encouraging, some discouraging, while Julia (as Sebastian), makes derogatory asides about Thurio, since she knows he has no chance with Silvia.
The Duke enters, makes some quick inquiries, and puts two and two together. He has just seen Friar Laurence, who saw Eglamour in the forest and thought it may have been Silvia with him. The Duke realizes that Silvia has fled with Eglamour to be with Valentine. He asks Proteus and Thurio (as well as “Sebastian”) to join with him to intercept the runaway before she reaches Mantua.
Act 5, scene 3
In the forest, Silvia has been captured by the outlaws, and they plan to take her to their captain (who is of course Valentine). Eglamour, who was supposed to be protecting Silvia, has run away, and two of the outlaws are sent after him.
Analysis, Act 5, scenes 1-3
These short scenes create the necessary plot developments that will allow all the major characters to assemble in the forest for the final scene. It adds little to our understanding of the characters. Proteus allows himself some fun at the expense of Thurio, whilst Julia/Sebastian, who is also not above mocking the hapless Thurio, takes the opportunity to reveal to the audience her sadness.
It seems quite out of character for the gallant Sir Eglamour to run away from the outlaws, but Shakespeare is really not interested in this character and just uses him for the plot twist he needs.
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