Two Gentlemen of Verona




The story is set up in the city of Verona,which is also home to the famous Shakespearian love story Romeo Juliet. The story starts with firsthand narration.The narrator along with his friend was driving through lower hills of the Alps when they were stopped on the outskirts of Verona by two shabby looking boys.They were selling wild strawberries. Though the driver warned the author not to buy it the author took one look at those boys and cannot resist buying the whole lot of strawberry.They introduced themselves as Jacopo (12 years old ) Nicola (13 years old). The very next morning the author sees the brothers polishing shoes in the public square. The author gets to know that they do various tasks to earn money like selling newspapers, polishing shoes, selling strawberries and and working as tourist guides. The author was impressed and knew that though they were still kids they had mature personalities. One mid night the author comes across a tired Nicolas and a sleeping Jacopo at a bus stand. They both were sitting on a pile of newspapers. They were waiting for the last bus from Padua to sell the news papers. The author quite impressed by their determination to work and had asked that if they were saving money to emigrate to America.As they both ate figs and worn torn clothes. Nicola denied and answered with an uneasy smile and ‘Just plans,sir’ when the author asked them about their plans. When the author asked if he could help them save money Jacopo asked if he could drop them to Poleta by his car. Poleta is a village located on hills. The next afternoon the author drops the boys and waits for them in the car as the boys requested but when curiosity got better of him he follows them and comes across a nurse. The nurse tells him about Lucia, the 20 year old sister of Nicola and Jacopo who was a singer,now is suffering from tuberculosis. Also that they lived a decent life along with their father but the world-war left the siblings on streets. Nicola and Jacopo work hard so they can pay for their sisters treatment. The author drives the boys back to the city without a single word. This is a great work of literature, changing our views on a gentleman. This story shows that the clothes,age and outer appearance has nothing to do with a gentleman but the personality does. This story shows selfless love of two young brothers for their ailing sister and despite their age they work hard to pay for their sisters treatment.




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