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THE FALSE FRIEND

What effect has the arrival of Protheus at the Milanese Court? How does the new-comer manage to dominate this Act? Point out the skill of Protheus in making his disclosure to the Duke seem to be reluctantly wrung from him against the friendship he feels for Valentine and only because of a sense of duty toward the Duke.

What does this delicacy accomplish toward his own courtship of Silvia? If he had seemed eager to tell his friend's secrets would not the Duke distrust him and suspect some self-interest on his part? What did his mention of Thurio's suit do for himself?

Compare the nature of the two friends' talk; how that of Protheus gives a better impression of himself than is true, that of Valentine, a worse. Show the consistency in wile of Protheus in his conduct toward the Duke, Thurio, Silvia, and Julia. Why does it succeed? Wherein is it likely to fail?

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