Two Gentlemen of Verona

                                        By A. J. Cronin

Analysis : 

·      The story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ is written by A. J. Cronin, a Scottish physician and novelist of twentieth century. He has taken the title of this story from the Shakespeare’s play with the same title.

·      A. J. Cronin has very well carved the idea of ‘selfless love’ and explained the importance of dedication towards relationships in the story ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’.

·      The story revolves around the two boys named Nicola and Jacopo who do numerous things to earn money.

·      Their willingness to work and sense of self respect is the main factor why they were termed as ‘Gentlemen’.

·      This story distinctly talks about how true the amplification says: “All that glitters is not gold,” in turn explaining the fact that appearances are deceptive.

·      It affirms our faith that even now there is hope for a good society with remarkable human beings like these two boys.

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Summary :

The story begins with the narrator driving down the foothills of the Alps. Here is when he first encounters the two brothers selling wild strawberries. Even after the driver forbade the narrator to buy the wild fruits, he bought the biggest basket and drove towards the town. This scene emphasises on the first step of growing intimacy between the narrator and the two boys.

Next day, the boys were found shining shoes in the public square. This amazed the narrator. This is when they revealed the fact that they did numerous kinds of things to earn money. Thus, the narrator develops a soft corner for them in his heart. He finds them to be innocent, serious, pleasant and earnest.
The boys are very useful for the narrator. They are very willing to satisfy all his needs and provide for that the narrator required. The narrator also found them selling newspapers, one stormy night.

One day, when the narrator asked if he could help them in any way, they said they would be very grateful if they got a lift to the nearby village, Poleta. Although it didn’t come in the narrator’s way, he took them there.

The boys got down in a building and asked the author to wait in a nearby café while they would be back within an hour. Eagerness led the narrator to follow the boys up to the place which was actually a hospital.

On peeping through a room led by a nurse, he realised that the boys were talking to a girl who resembled them. He did not feel like intruding and thus asked the nurse the details about the boys. The nurse told him their heart rending story. Their father was killed in the World War and their home was destroyed. Their sister was suffering from tuberculosis. The brothers lived in a shelter and literally starved, so that they could pay for their sister’s treatment.

Despite all these sufferings they were keeping their problem a secret and helping their sister gracefully. It showed that war had not shaken their spirit. They were noble and gentle and great human beings in their own special yet subtle way.

This story distinctly teaches us, “All that glitters is not gold”, explaining the fact that appearances are deceptive. It affirms our faith that even now there is hope for a good society with remarkable human beings like these two boys.

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Language Intricacies

Skinny frame – very thin body

Brisk business – profitable business

Interest was provoked – interest was aroused

Remarkable demeanour – their appearance

Coloured deeply under his sunburn – feeling intimidated/embarrassed

Grew pale – scared (why narrator asking so many questions)

Spoke with an effort – reluctant to speak

He burst out – said quickly

Make a visit to the country – going to the village (outskirt of the city)

Some humble dwellings – hutments/ houses of poor people

Scarcely believe my eyes – hardly believe what I saw

Vestibule – lobby in the hospital

 Two Gentlemen of Verona

Difficult Expressions

1. "We do many things, sir," Nicola answered seriously. He glanced at us hopefully.
Explanation: Nicola meant that he was willing to do any job to earn money. He was hoping that the visitor would give them various jobs to do and may use their services.

 

2. “He coloured deeply under his sunburn, then grew pale”.
Explanation: The boy’s face turned red because of embarrassment. After a few moments, his face turned to pale colour due to nervousness.

 

3. He smiled uncomfortably. "Just plans, sir," he answered in a low voice.
Explanation : The boy did not want to reveal his personal problems to the visitor and wanted to avoid discussion on the topic.

 

4. “Yet in both these boyish faces there was a seriousness which was far beyond their years”.

Explanation: Both the boys appeared to be more serious and mature than their age. Their faces showed sincerity and dedication which is not common for boys of that age.

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Important Question Answers

Q. How does the story 'Two Gentlemen of Verona' promise hope for society?
Ans. The story shows that even in difficult circumstances and adversity, the values like love, responsibility, and selflessness can survive. Nicola and Jacopo work hard and sacrifice their comfort to care for their ailing sister. Their dedication reflects hope that humanity, kindness, and moral strength still exist in society.

Q. “Appearances are deceptive.” Discuss with reference to the two boys.
Ans. At first, the boys appear poor, untidy, and insignificant. However, their actions reveal that they are mature, responsible, sensible and deeply caring. Despite their rough appearance, they possess strong character and noble values, proving that outward looks can be misleading.

Q. Why are the boys evasive about their plans saying, “just plans, sir”?
Ans. The boys avoid sharing their problems because they are self respecting and do not want sympathy or charity. They prefer to solve their difficulties on their own and maintain their dignity. They can go to any extent with hard work to fulfil their responsibilities themselves but not take anyone's favour. This reflects their strong sense of pride and independence.