Fidele and Fortunio facts for kids

Fidele and Fortunio is an old comedy play. It was written by Anthony Munday and first published in 1584. For a while, people weren't sure who wrote it. But now, most experts agree that "A.M." on the first copy means Anthony Munday. This play is interesting today because it might have influenced William Shakespeare. It was performed when Shakespeare was starting his career in London. The play also shows us how the English language was before Shakespeare changed it a lot. It's based on an Italian play called Il Fedele by Luigi Pasqualigo.

What is the Play About?

Main Characters and Their Problems

The story of Fidele and Fortunio is full of love and mix-ups. Fidele is an Italian gentleman. He comes home from a trip. He finds out his girlfriend, Victoria, has fallen for his friend, Fortunio. Fortunio also loves Victoria.

But Fortunio isn't sure if Victoria truly loves him back. So, he asks Captain Crackstone to find out. Crackstone is a tricky person. He is also secretly in love with Victoria himself.

Victoria, in turn, isn't sure about Fortunio's love. She hires a sorceress named Medusa. Medusa tries to use magic to make Fortunio love Victoria.

More Characters and Confusions

Other characters get involved in the story. These include Pedante, who is Fidele's schoolmaster. Also, Attilia, who is Victoria's maid.

Then there's Virginia, who is in love with Fidele. Fortunio is tricked into thinking Victoria has betrayed him. Because of this, he starts to like Virginia instead.

After many more misunderstandings and adventures, the play ends happily. Fortunio marries Virginia. Fidele marries Victoria. Captain Crackstone marries Attilia. And Pedante marries Medusa.

How Fidele and Fortunio Influenced Shakespeare

Similarities in Spells

Many people think this play might have influenced William Shakespeare. For example, the ingredients Medusa the witch uses in her spells are very similar to those used by the witches in Shakespeare's play Macbeth.

Here are some examples of the spell ingredients:

Plot Ideas in Other Plays

The idea of a "deceived lover" is also seen in Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing. This shows how older plays like Fidele and Fortunio might have given Shakespeare ideas for his own famous works.