53 pages • 1 hour read
A Woman Killed With Kindness
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Act IIChapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of sexual harassment, sexual content, gender discrimination, and death.
Act II, Scene 1 Summary
Frankford relishes his wealth and status as a gentleman, adding that a good wife is worth more than anything he has. Nick announces Wendoll’s arrival and then shows both Wendoll and Anne into the room. Wendoll reports how Francis lost his bet with Charles and instigated a fight, which led to Charles killing two men. Anne calls Charles “valorous,” but they agree that Charles should be imprisoned.
Frankford extends his hospitality to Wendoll, urging Anne to treat him well. Anne agrees, saying she will welcome Wendoll “[a]s far as modesty may well extend” (152). They depart, and Nick enters with Jenkin. Nick hates Wendoll but does not know why. Cicely, another servant, enters and tells Nick to help Wendoll undress, but Nick refuses, leaving Jenkin to go instead. Jenkin comments that the gentlemen are ending their day, while the servants are just beginning.
Act II, Scene 2 Summary
Malby and Cranwell go to the jail to retrieve Charles. Cranwell explains that Charles had to use all his fortune to earn his freedom, leaving him impoverished. Charles comes out, happy to be free even if he is poor. Malby and Cranwell greet him, and Shafton approaches, offering to lend Charles 500 pounds. Shafton wants to pit his wealth against Francis on Charles’s behalf, and Charles thanks him, noting that he only has his house and his sister left.
