Scholars generally agree that ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’ is a comedy written by William Shakespeare between 1600 and 1605, although some believe that the play is the lost Shakespearean drama titled ‘Love’s Labour Won’, which was written before 1598.
Despite its optimistic title, Shakespeare’s ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’ has often been considered one of his ‘problem play.s’ Ostensibly a comedy, the play also has fairy tale elements, as it focuses on Helena, a virtuous orphan, who loves Bertram, the haughty son of her protectress, the Countess of Rousillon. When Bertram, desperate for adventure, leaves Rousillon to serve in the King’s army, Helena pursues him and, in the end, Helena and Bertram are happy, all’s well that ends well.