Abstract
Although originally classified as one of Shakespeare's comedies, All's Well That Ends Well is now more commonly classified as one of his ambiguous problem plays – so called because they defy neat classification as either comedy or tragedy. Helena, a servant, harbors a secret love for Bertram, her mistress's son. When the king becomes ill, Helena promises to heal him if she is allowed to marry any man of her choosing. Helena's father is a renowned physician, and the young girl, having inherited his knowledge, saves the king and Bertram is chosen as her husband. The one-sided affair soon blossoms into requited love – and all's well that ends well.