rd Diana? She manipulates this situation by using the bed-trick.
             The mechanics of the bed-trick are as follows: Diana agrees to lie with Bertram, but Helena takes her place without him knowing. The reasons why Helena uses the bed-trick must be examined. As stated before, the bed-trick is morally neutral, and its ethics are determined by the person who uses it and for what purposes. In most cases, a bed-trick is morally sound if it is utilized by a good person for virtuous reasons. At first glance Helena may seem moral due to the fact that her use of the bed-trick stops her husband from committing adultery, and in turn helps Diana stay chaste. These can be considered moral ends, and the audience is meant to feel that they are. The problem, however, lies in the fact that Helena plots the trick for her own selfish reasons.
             At the beginning of the play, it is evident that Helena is lusting after someone. She discusses the issue of her virginity at length with Parolles in act one and seeks his advice on how to guard herself against assailants, "Man is enemy to virginity; how/ may we barricado it against him?" (1.1.112-113). Parolles offers simple advice, "Keep him out." (1.1.114). However, Helena acknowledges that perhaps she is unable to guard her chastity for very long-- "But he assails, and our virginity though/ valiant, in the defense yet is weak..." (1.1.115-116). Parolles believes that women have no resistance over wanton men, and therefore tells Helena that "There is none. Man,
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