The King of Navarre and his three companions swear a solemn oath to dedicate their lives to study and avoid the company of women for three years, only to have their resolve immediately tested by the arrival of the Princess of France and her ladies. The protagonists attempt to maintain their intellectual isolation, but their own romantic impulses and the wit of the visiting court create a series of complications. The narrative unfolds through a series of verbal sparring matches, elaborate disguises, and comedic misunderstandings. The play operates within the rigid social structures of an aristocratic court, where language itself serves as the primary weapon and tool for social maneuvering.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the play's linguistic complexity, noting that it stands as one of the most intellectually demanding comedies in the canon. Discussion often centers on the shift from the play's initial neglect to its modern status as a highly regarded piece of stagecraft. Many observers point to the unconventional, melancholic ending as a departure from the typical marriage-focused conclusions of the era's comedies. The balance between the characters' performative wit and their underlying human vulnerabilities remains a primary focus for scholars and theater practitioners alike. This work is widely recognized for its ability to sustain high-energy dialogue while exploring the limitations of human intellect when confronted with genuine emotion.