Transformation (act 3 scene 2)

According to Claudio and Don Pedro, how has Benedick changed since he was last seen?

Benedick has shaved his beard off in an attempt to please Beatrice and to adopt the popular look for young men. This transformation is not well received by Claudio and Don Pedro has they jest and joke at his expense ‘he is sad in love but accounts it for toothache’.  There is much speculation as to his change in appearance ‘ the barber hath been seen with him’, as there is to his motives ‘that’s as much to say the sweet youth’s in love.’ As there is no other explanation for them, and they are confident that their gulling was effective. They are, however, taken back by his youthful appearance ‘he looks younger than he did by the loss of a beard.’

How does Don John’s choice of language make the impact of his revelation about Hero all the more devastating to Claudio?

Don John, himself, appears to be in a matter of urgency when he reaches Don Pedro and Claudio; ‘My Lord and brother, God save you!’  He builds the suspense by withholding his supposedly urgent news by complimenting his brother and Claudio ‘you may think I love you not, let that appear hereafter.’ This makes his announcement even more compelling as he stages putting their disputes aside to gain the trust of his audience. Don John is known for being unsophisticated; this makes his efforts seem even more endearing to Don Pedro as it is believed his efforts are to please the Prince and Count Claudio. The claim is made ‘Your Hero, everyman’s Hero’ is against her loyalty to the Count ‘The word is too good to paint her out of wickedness’. This lone report is enough to change Claudio’s opinion of Hero and discourage his affections immediately.

Why does Claudio immediately announce he will shame Hero in the church at their wedding?

Claudio’s love for Hero is institutionalised love; as any potentially problematic issues that may arise can force him to break his affection towards Hero instantly. He decides to shame Hero before the congregation so his reputation and pride remains intact whereas Hero’s will remain forever tarnished ‘tomorrow in the congregation where I should wed, there I will shame her’. It is as though Claudio is attempting to force an example of her in front of the other women to serve as a warning of the consequences of being promiscuous whilst being courted.