ACT I
VALENTINE VERSUS PROTHEUS AND JULIA
Valentine's reasons for travel and those of Protheus for staying at
home separate the two friends. Compare Valentine's preference of
Honor, and that of Protheus for Love, with the opening of "Love's
Labour's Lost" and "Much Adoe."
Show how the rest of the action, after the separation of the friends to suit this double thesis of life, depends upon illustrating the effect of Protheus's love upon Julia's fortunes, and of Valentine's quest of honor upon the fortunes of Protheus. Notice how it happens that his own deception has a direct influence upon his father, so that his departure to join Valentine is as much due to his own lack of firmness in his desire to stay on Julia's account, as to Valentine's initiative in going.
QUERIES FOR DISCUSSION
Is Valentine's or Protheus's the more influential character upon the course of events thus far?