Much Ado About Nothing

The play Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare consists of many themes which grow out of the Ð''game of love'. The two main themes consist of perception and deception. Through the plot complications, character development and dramatic techniques these themes can be explored. In the play deception is shown on both good and evil sides, the game of love between Beatrice and Benedick and the Don John plot to split up Hero and Claudio. Perception is a theme used in most of Shakespeare's plays. Perceptive views by the characters help portray the game of love. Hero is perceived as dead which then Claudio is sorry and feels for her. Beatrice and Benedick's loved is clouded by each other's perceptions and arguments.

Deception is one of the main themes throughout the play which grows out of the game of love. Deceit is not inherently evil; it can be used as means to good or bad ends As well as having the theme of deception, the form of the play itself is deceptive. In Much Ado About Nothing there are two main plot complications which relate to deception. The deception of Beatrice and Benedick tricked into falling in love which is good deception and Don John's deceptive plan to disrupt Claudio's and Hero's relationship which is bad deception.

Beatrice and Benedick are tricked into falling in love with each other by eavesdropping on their friends conversations.

"Come hither Leonato, what was it you told me of today that your niece Beatrice was in love with Signor Benedick?" Dramatic irony is when the audience knows of the plotting and the character does not. Beatrice and Benedick start as energetic and witty but towards the end of the play they have gained self knowledge and earned each other. This is an example of good deception.

Don John's plan to disrupt Hero's and Claudio's relationship is an example of bad deception. Don John's plan is to make Claudio think Hero is unfaithful by Borachio make love to Margaret in Hero's room and pretend Margaret is Hero. Don John and Borachio are seen through there actions as evil. A narrative effect is used when the event of Hero's pretend unfaithfulness is retold by Borachio.

"Not so neither, but I know that I have tonight wooed Margaret, the lady Hero's gentlewomen by the name of Hero: she leans out of the mistress' chamber window." This narrative effect adds impact and severity of the characters actions and makes us further dislike Borachio.

Perception is one of the main themes that grow out of the game of love. Perception is how the characters are seen and shown which then can cause a consequence. Social perceptions were very important, before

marriage women should be innocent, pure and faithful. Don John's plan to make Claudio think hero is unfaithful is a success which then Claudio, Don Pedro and Don John perceives Hero is unclean and impure.

"Did you see her, hear her, at that hour last night, talk with a ruffian at her chamber window, who hath indeed most like a liberal villain, confessed the vile encounters they have had a thousand times in secret."

Hero is then perceived dead after she faints. Claudio's perception of Hero's death

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