Two Gentlemen of Verona

The concept of courtly love emerged in medieval and early modern European literature as a highly idealized system of rules and rituals governing the romantic relationships of the nobility that carries significant influence in the texts Shakespeare consulted while writing Two Gentlemen of Verona, in which the behavior, rituals, and expectations of courtly love feature prominently. In particular, Shakespeare’s characterization of the female characters suggests that ideals of courtly love placed restrictions on the behavior and lifestyle of noblewomen.

Julia’s obsession with her modesty and reputation is evidence of her awareness of the rules of courtly love, which idealized women as pure and ethereal. When she decides to travel to Milan to reunite with Proteus, Julia thinks critically about “how with [her] honor [she] may undertake the journey” (2.7.6-7). Her primary concern is her modesty and sexual autonomy, and she decides to dress like a boy in order to “prevent the loose encounters of lascivious men” (2.7.41-42). The fact that Julia believes the best way to preserve her modesty is to disguise herself as a boy suggests that the only way for women to be independent under the system of courtly love is to not be women.