"It's the natural condition of man: to be a crackpot." --ChekhovThe Modern Language Association (MLA) abbreviation for the play's title is AWW, and I will sometimes make use of that abbreviation.
"All's Well that Ends Well is not a play that is often read or performed, and when it is seen or heard, it does not seem to give much general pleasure." --G. K. HunterThat, I fear, is because the play is not simple, and if you take it at face value, and don't try to understand the complexities, you're not going to have much luck with it. Here's one of the more glaring abnormalities, from the last scene, V.3:
HELENA | |||
O, my good lord, when I was like this maid I found you wondrous kind. There is your ring, And, look you, here's your letter. This it says: "When from my finger you can get this ring, And is by me with child," &c. This is done. Will you be mine now you are doubly won? (V.3.303-8) |
DUMAIN G. | |||
The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill together. Our virtues would be proud if our faults whipped them not; and our crimes would despair if they were not cherished by our virtues. |
(IV.3.68-71) |
LAVATCH | |||
I am a woodland fellow, sir, that always loved a great fire; and the master I speak of ever keeps a good fire. But, sure, he is the prince of the world; let his nobility remain in's [in his] court. I am for the house with the narrow gate, which I take to be too little for pomp to enter. Some that humble themselves may; but the many will be too chill and tender: and they'll be for the flow'ry way that leads to the broad gate and the great fire. |
(IV.5.44-52) |
LAFEW | |||
I'd give bay Curtal and his furniture [175]
My mouth no more were broken than these boys', [176] And writ as little beard. [177] |
(II.3.59-61) |