Essay Questions

Why did Euphrasia remain loyal to Philaster, even after it was discovered that he has started a life with Arethusa?

After revealing her true identity, Euphrasia continues to work as Philaster's official page. Though she loves him deeply and is hurt by the fact that he will ultimately live the rest of his life with Arethusa, she is content in the knowledge that she can be loyal to him through her servitude. She finds joy and peace in the knowledge that she can serve him, even in a professional status. Ultimately, her ability to remain close and useful to Philaster motivates her, despite the pain and disappointment in his rejection.

How might Euphrasia have felt at the conclusion of the story?

Euphrasia likely would have had mixed emotions at the end of the story. Though she is disappointed and disheartened that Philaster will never be able to live a life of love with her, she likely also felt a great sense of relief that she no longer had to disguise herself as a pageboy. However, it must also be considered that Euphrasia might struggle as she ages and is forced to watch Philaster and Arethusa grow old together and begin a family. As such, Euphrasia likely experienced a complex mix of emotions at the story's conclusion and these complex emotions will likely wax and wane as she ages.

Why do you think authors Beaumont and Fletcher chose to write this story?

With comedic and tragic elements woven throughout, Philaster is ultimately a tale of love, disappointment, and determine. Despite the story's bittersweet ending, Philaster's message is clear: love is complex, fickle, and comes in many forms. Despite the fact that Euphrasia is not able to live legally and in holy matrimony with Philaster, she is able to love him from afar, serve him as if like a wife, and remain close to him as he grows old. Therefore, Beaumont and Fletcher likely brought this story to fruition in an effort to share with audiences the complexities of love and less, as well as the flexible dynamics of relationships.