Ford: Jealousy That Ruins the Joke
First appears: Act 1, Scene 1
Ford's jealousy is the play's secondary comic engine. He suspects his wife is genuinely meeting Falstaff, disguises himself as 'Master Brook' to pay Falstaff to pursue her, and arrives each time to search the house when Falstaff is hidden inside, only to find nothing.
He is the play's most explicit portrait of jealousy as self-inflicted damage. His wife is not unfaithful. His suspicion causes him more suffering than any actual infidelity would.
His contrast with Page (who is not jealous and whose trust in his wife is vindicated) is deliberate. Ford gets the subplot he deserves.
Key Scenes
Famous Quotes
“What a damned Epicurean rascal is this! My heart is ready to crack with impatience.”
Master Ford — Act 2, Scene 2
Themes
Other Characters in The Merry Wives of Windsor
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