We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Shakespeare in Love Scene 11 Summary

  • At the theatre, all the actors dance with one another.
  • A woman is pretending to be a man to play Romeo, and a man is playing Juliet. Crazy.
  • Ned Alleyn yells at Viola, err… "Thomas," that she… err, he is dancing too femininely.
  • Will arrives and Alleyn talks to him about his character, Mercutio.
  • Alleyn likes the speech, but not that he disappears for most of the play.
  • Will delivers Alleyn new scenes for his character, Mercutio. Very dramatic stuff—a speech, a swordfight.
  • But then he dies. Hmm. Alleyn isn't sure how he feels about dying.
  • In the evening, Will joins Thomas on a boat. Thomas delivers the break-up note from Viola (remember: Thomas is Viola)
  • Will asks Thomas for advice, and Thomas tells him to do what she says.
  • He doesn't want to. He loves her, "Like a sickness, and like its cure together."
  • He talks about how gorgeous her eyes and lips are… while looking directly at her eyes and lips and not seeming to realize it.
  • And he talks about her amazing her bosom is, too (guytalk has not changed since the 16th century it seems).
  • Thomas says that Will and Viola can't marry because of class differences.
  • He says that's a load of hooey, and he will defy Wessex to marry her.
  • So Thomas kisses him.
  • He's in shock as the boat docks at Viola's estate, and the dockworker greets Thomas as "my lady."
  • Finally, Will realizes that Thomas is Viola.