Falstaff’s imagery of his third “death” is especially vivid: Falstaff compares the occasion to a blacksmith’s glowing-hot horseshoe being thrown into the water to cool off (at lines 103-04). Falstaff felt hot and smothered inside the basket, and he believes his body hissed with steam when he was dumped into the water.
Yet, as noted, Falstaff has not learned his lesson. He informs Master Ford, “I will be thrown into Etna as I have been into Thames ere I will leave her thus” (109-10). Etna is a volcano in Sicily. Falstaff is boasting, he is attempting to act bravely to show Master Brooke that he is deserving of his money. Yet the line also predicts or foreshadows that Falstaff will need to learn another lesson: he will need to experience a further humiliation.
As in the earlier scene at the Garter Inn where Ford disguised himself as Brooke (Act II, Scene 2), this scene ends with a soliloquy spoken by Ford. The reader might also note that this scene touches upon all three of the major themes of the play (revenge, honor, and jealousy).
In his soliloquy Ford declares, “There’s a hole made in your best coat, Master Ford” (121-22). A gentleman should always dress elegantly. His appearance reflects his position and status in society. Literally, wearing a coat that is soiled or damaged is a visual indication of a loss of status and honor. Of course, Ford is speaking metaphorically. His reputation and status are ruined because he is a cuckold. However, Ford wants revenge; and this
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