Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare: Beatrice and Benedict and Claudio and Hero - Essay Example

Compare/contrast couples - Beatrice and Benedict & Claudio and Hero. “Much Ado about Nothing” by William Shakespeare presents a story about love intertwined with trickery and deception. The relationship between Beatrice, the niece of the governor of Messina, and Benedict, a close ally of the nobleman Don Pedro, is in great contrast to the relationship between a young soldier known as Claudio, and the governor’s young and good looking daughter Hero. Beatrice and Benedict present their disgust for each other from the first scene. Beatrice is seen to ridicule to the governor of Messina, asserting that she constantly beats him in the battle of wits and the last time they were involved in a battle of wits Benedict’s “five wits went halting off, and now is the whole governed one” (Act 1, scene 1, line 50). Undoubtedly appreciating continuing their merry war, Beatrice cuts down Benedict down at the first chance telling him “I wonder that you still be talking, signor Benedict, nobody marks you” (Act 1, scene1, line 105). Dubiously Benedict answers, “What my dear lady distain, are you yet living?”(Act 1, scene 1, line 95). Therefore, the relationship of the two is set and it commences from there in the same fate. The introduction of Claudio and Hero by Shakespeare is in great contrast to that of Beatrice and Benedict. Claudio and Hero are seen to be interested to one another from the beginning. After seeing, her for the first time, Claudio remarks, “is she not a modest lady?” (Act 1, scene 1, line 125). This shows how the two men differ when it comes to expression of feelings towards the women they love. Hero is likewise love-struck with Claudio, the first words she utters to him are “you walk softly and look sweetly, and say nothing, I am yours for the walk and especially when I walk away” (act 2, scene 1, line 70). This openly manner of showing affection, and in reality could leave a person somewhat expressively exposed. Trickery is a theme that is clearly seen throughout the text from the beginning to the end. When it comes to Claudio and Hero their case can be termed to be most unusual and unnecessary. Claudio is seen to be incapable of showing his own feelings to Hero, thus Don Pedro volunteers to disguise himself, and lie to beautiful Hero to be Claudio with an intention to woo Hero on behalf of Claudio. He goes as far as making a promise “then after to her father will break, and the conclusion is, she shall be thine” (act 1, scene 1, line 260). In contrast to this plan, is a more reasonable motive in the encouraging force applied to trap Beatrice and Benedict into falling in love? Therefore, a plan is developed to ensure Benedict falls in love with Beatrice. Shakespeare applies the theme of deception and trickery to show a comparison between the two couples who are being intimidated by others into falling in love. Claudio permits things to be taken out of his control by permitting Don Pedro to do everything on his behalf, and Hero without hesitations goes along with the plan. On the other hand, Beatrice and Benedict appear strong and cunning. When comparing Beatrice and Hero a big contrast can be seen. Hero is the obedient type. When choosing a partner she allows others to influence her decision, whereas Beatrice is rebellious by nature and openly refuses any outside advice. An illustration of this would be seen when she answers Antonio’s question on the subject of deferring to ones father opinion when selecting an ideal husband “yes, faith, it is my cousin’s duty to make curtsy and say, father as it please you” (Act 2,scene 1,line 45). This shows the difference in character between the two women, whereas Hero is submissive and obedient and takes advice from other people. Beatrice on the other hand, is strong and rebellious and uses her own wit to makes decisions. Another major contrast can be seen at the end of the story. Claudio is seen to fall into trick and permits Don John, to influence him into believing that Borachio and Margret are very affectionate and that Borachio and Hero are having an affair. Claudio assumes Hero unfaithful, and does not give her the benefit of the doubt especially in public. He does not give her a chance to defend herself. His emotional expression of “she shows the heat of a luxurious bed. Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty” (Act 4, scene 1, line 35). The reaction shows some sought of immaturity in Claudio. He should have trusted his bride to be instead. Through his reaction, he can be termed to be a weak man who allows emotions to make lame judgments. This is in great contrast to Benedict who appears to be more mature and clear-headed. Benedick clearly is in agreement with Friar considerately statement “two of them have the very bent honor, and if their wisdoms be misled in this, the practice of it lives in john the bastard” (Act 4, scene 1, line 185). Additionally, Benedict later tells Beatrice that he believed her cousin was wronged. At the end of the play both couples are joined together in a matrimony, but the love of Beatrice and Benedict seem to be more enduring and lasting even though they started on a bad note. When saying the vows Beatrice declared “I yield upon great persuasion, and partly to save your life”(Act 5, scene 4,line 95). Benedict answers “peace! I will stop your mouth” (Act 5, scene 4, line 100) and gives her a kiss. This shows that both Beatrice and Benedict are mature for each other, and will support each other to the end of time. Therefore, this shows Beatrice and Benedict will have a brighter, and a promising future than Claudio and Hero. The play is about love as Shakespeare puts it. Trickery and witty are seen to engulf the whole play. There are two very differing and can yet be seen equally relationships that are presented. The two couples have undying love for their spouses, but different circumstances surround how they met and established their love. Beatrice and Benedict seem to have a more promising future, but even Claudio and Hero are strong too. Claudio and Hero understand each other but jealousy and immaturity may affect their future marriage. Work Cited Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing. Waiheke Island: Floating Press, 2008. Print. Read More