Exam (elaborations)
Much Ado About Nothing-play themes
- Module
- MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
- Institution
- Oxford University (OX)
Much Ado About Nothing-play themes
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Much Ado About Nothing-play themesLove and Marriage - answer The two main characters, Benedick and Beatrice, start the play with
strong views on both with Benedick asking Don Pedro to 'hang me in a bottle like a cat and
shoot at me' (1:1) if he falls in love and Beatrice swearing to stay single 'till God make men of
some other metal than earth' (2:1). One of the main plots revolves around the two characters
changing their views. Their relationship is shown in contrast to the speedy engagement of
Claudio and Hero who are younger and less experienced but also have a lot to learn.
Love and Marriage - answer The world of Messina is strongly patriarchal, meaning that men
hold positions of power and have more freedom to say and do what they want. This is very
frustrating for Beatrice, particularly after Hero's ruined wedding where she feels unable to
confront Claudio for what he's done, saying to Benedick 'It is a man's office, but not yours.' (4:1)
Rumors and Deception - answer Even the play's title 'Much Ado About Nothing' suggests a lot of
fuss about empty rumours and deception. The word 'nothing' is a pun on 'noting', or noticing,
and the play is full of 'noting', in the sense that the characters are often watching and being
overheard. Claudio is deceived and believes he has seen something he hasn't when he sees
Borachio with Margaret and thinks it is Hero, and even Beatrice and Benedick are deceived into
loving each other by overhearing conversations. When Beatrice overhears Hero talk about her,
she hears some hard truths about her character which prompt her to turn over a new leaf,
saying 'What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?' (3:1)
Rumors and Deception - answer Don John deceives others constantly, lying to Claudio that Don
Pedro loves Hero at the masked dance, saying 'I heard him swear his affection' (2:1), and later
claiming that Hero has been unfaithful to Claudio, 'you shall see her chamber window entered,
even the night before her wedding day' (3:2). Borachio gives Don John a lot of information that
he overhears but fittingly, in the end, his own boasts are overheard by the Watch which saves
Hero's reputation when he is heard saying, 'I have tonight wooed Margaret, the Lady Hero's
gentlewoman, by the name of Hero.' (3:3)
Respect and Reputation - answer Reputation and respect are very important to people in Much
Ado About Nothing. Leonato, Claudio and Don Pedro are all well-respected figures at the start
of the play. All three men have their reputation damaged by Don John. Important relationships
are torn apart when characters lose respect for each other, with Benedick calling his former
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