Re-evaluation of Self and Friendship from Crab’s Point of View in The Two Gentlemen of Verona
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This essay re-evaluates the human and non-human characters in The Two Gentlemen of Verona through the lens of theoretical discussions on self and friendship. Theories of humanity posit that possessing a sense of self distinguishes humans from animals, and friendship is perceived as an exclusive human relationship. The knowledge of one’s self enables humans to act with reason and constancy, while animals, devoid of a sense of self, act instinctively, without the guidance of self-awareness to act in accordance with reason. In this play, Shakespeare employs Crab, a canine companion of Lance, to highlight the fragility of the human characters’ sense of self, ultimately blurring the boundaries between the human and the non-human and prompting a reassessment of facets of humanity in connection to the non-human. The human characters—Proteus, Valentine, Sylvia, Julia, and Lance—are depicted as lacking in reason and constancy when confronted with situations that demand attention to their self-serving desires. In fact, they become entangled in inconstant transference of selves to suit individual interests, neglecting the responsibilities that come with self-knowledge such as prudence and self-control. Furthermore, the sacrificial friendship between Lance and Crab, in which Lance demonstrates selfless devotion to Crab, questions conventional notions of self and friendship, prompting a reevaluation of the exclusivity of friendship among humans. Overall, the contrast between Crab, depicted as consistent and true to himself as an animal, and the human characters’ inconstancy in exercising self-knowledge, challenges the traditional notion of using self as the sole criterion to distinguish between animals and humans.
Abstract
This essay re-evaluates the human and non-human characters in The Two Gentlemen of Verona through the lens of theoretical discussions on self and friendship. Theories of humanity posit that possessing a sense of self distinguishes humans from animals, and friendship is perceived as an exclusive human relationship. The knowledge of one’s self enables humans to act with reason and constancy, while animals, devoid of a sense of self, act instinctively, without the guidance of self-awareness to act in accordance with reason. In this play, Shakespeare employs Crab, a canine companion of Lance, to highlight the fragility of the human characters’ sense of self, ultimately blurring the boundaries between the human and the non-human and prompting a reassessment of facets of humanity in connection to the non-human. The human characters—Proteus, Valentine, Sylvia, Julia, and Lance—are depicted as lacking in reason and constancy when confronted with situations that demand attention to their self-serving desires. In fact, they become entangled in inconstant transference of selves to suit individual interests, neglecting the responsibilities that come with self-knowledge such as prudence and self-control. Furthermore, the sacrificial friendship between Lance and Crab, in which Lance demonstrates selfless devotion to Crab, questions conventional notions of self and friendship, prompting a reevaluation of the exclusivity of friendship among humans. Overall, the contrast between Crab, depicted as consistent and true to himself as an animal, and the human characters’ inconstancy in exercising self-knowledge, challenges the traditional notion of using self as the sole criterion to distinguish between animals and humans.
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