The tone of All's Well That Ends Well is complex and changeable. It evolves as the play progresses, and its overall attitude towards its events and characters is nuanced and somewhat ambiguous.
From the beginning, the tone is ambivalent, raising questions about morality and societal institutions. The play challenges conventional notions of right and wrong, as characters act underhandedly for both good and bad reasons, tricking and bluffing their way through situations. It invites reflection on the complexities of human behavior and the gray areas of morality. A satirical tone also permeates the play, as Shakespeare pokes fun at human pretensions and idiosyncrasies. The playwright constantly weaves in witty back-and-forths and various forms of irony to highlight the foibles of his characters, and of the society they live in. These range from personal hygiene problems to the ethics of virginity.
Despite the fact that it’s often funny, All's Well That Ends Well also carries an undercurrent of melancholy. Beneath the surface, there is a sense of sadness and longing throughout, as Helen, Bertram, and their companions grapple with unrequited love, misplaced affections, the perils of aging, and the complexities of human relationships. This melancholic tone adds depth and emotional resonance to the play, balancing the comedic elements with a touch of poignancy.
Overall, then, in All's Well That Ends Well the tone fluctuates between ambivalence, satire, melancholy, and surprise. This multi-faceted approach allows the play to explore the difficulties people have in accepting each other’s flaws. It also challenge societal conventions, particularly those around marriage and chastity.
