George Page

The Pages and The Fords

Of the four spouses, George is the least involved in the Falstaff (A-plot) storyline.  He trusts his wife implicitly and considers his marriage sound.  There are two practical reasons for this.  Structure-wise, he needs to be the instigator, foil and manager of the B-plot, the story of Anne and her suitors.  Dramatically, he needs to be a counterpoint to Ford.

He is so strongly in favor of Slender, a man so obviously wrong-suited for marriage to his daughter, that we have to question why?  Is he so controlling and domineering that he can't allow for her to make her own choice?  This would give credence to Anne settling for anyone, more than anything she just wants out.  Does he hate Fenton that much; that it could be anyone but him, then why not Dr. Caius, whom his wife supports?  Does he wish for some connection to Justice Shallow's family/lands/money?



His lack of jealousy is obviously a counterpoint to Ford's overwhelming jealousy.  He and Meg have a good marriage.  They are not overly demonstrative, but they also are not coy with one another.  They each know of the other's preference for Anne's hand in marriage.  They have an easy friendship and one that would make Ford envious.

He becomes a spectator to not only the lunacy of the C-Plot (Caius and Evans' duel/revenge on the Host) but to the maddening jealousy of his friend Ford.  His reaction to each new event--crack a joke.  There may be one one or two instances where he is serious.  He's a broad, gregarious sort of guy.  He doesn't know a stranger and he trusts openly.

So then, what's his beef with Fenton?


Costumes:
--Two-piece suit, but with a flashier double breasted vest.  Cool colors.  Blues, greens
--Boots
--Hat