Deception and Disguises

One of the themes Dekker explores is deception. As is common in plays of this period, a certain character will dress up to avoid suspicion, acting as another. Lacy, in an attempt to avoid being sent to war and wanting to stay near the woman he loves and is wooing, disguises himself as Hans, an out-of-work Dutch shoemaker. He attempts to get a job as a shoemaker so he can be near her. Here, his deception is out of love and devotion. He cannot bear the thought of going to war and “forgetting” her, as his uncle hopes, and instead goes to all lengths to remain close to her. At another point, Hammond falsely reveals that Jane’s husband, Rafe (also called Ralph), has been injured in the war and since died. He convinces her to marry him. In reality, Rafe had just returned home after being medically discharged and was searching for his wife. Hammond’s deception, contrary to Lacy’s, is villainous. He is preventing a happy couple from being united for selfish purposes. Dekker utilizes these contrasting instances of deception/mistruths to blur the lines of morality. While it is certainly not ideal to pretend to be someone else, the effects were not as potentially life-ruining as convincing Jane her husband has died tragically. Dekker seems to suggest that depending on the intention behind the deception, it can be justified.

Prosperity and Greed

An important idea in the work is the idea of prosperity and greed. While the characters are going about trying to avoid war and find love, above it all stands the greed of their employers, some of whom refuse to allow their newly married employees to stay at home temporarily instead of going to war immediately. The employers are just looking to prosper and earn money. At one point, “Hans” stands to gain a substantial amount of money, and they are immediately jealous and distraught. Their greed drives them. So, too, are Sir Hugh and Sir Roger caught up in the wealth (or lack thereof) of Lacy and Rose. They are wary of crossing class lines and particularly cognizant of reputation. This mentality is disproved by the happy ending of the lovers, who are together despite the greed of the characters surrounding them.

Love Conquering All

A final theme in the work is the idea of love conquering all. Lacy does everything he can to be with his love, Rose, and even changes his appearance to disguise himself and avoid the war for a time. His sole purpose in evading the war is to pursue his romantic interest. Even when he is sought after for his deception, love still reigns. At the end of the work, when Rafe is revealed to be alive to Jane, she is elated and returns to him immediately because of their love and devotion. The less devoted Hammon is left without a companion and is chastised for offering money for her hand when she clearly can’t be bought. It is clear that love, and the lengths we go to for it, is essential.