Why do Claudio and Don Pedro decide upon public humiliation
of Hero at the wedding?
Claudio and Don Pedro want to shame Hero and her family,
making an example of her in front of the other women to warn them of the
implications of not staying virtuous till their wedding night. It is only
possible to gain the full attention of the women at the wedding a place of
religion and tradition and in that convey the true implications of her supposed
actions.
How does Leonato react to Claudio’s accusation at the
wedding? Why?
Leonato will only take Claudio’s claim into account as it is
his word against a woman’s and in the contemporary patriarchal time a man’s
opinion is always prioritised. Leonato at first does not understand why Claudio
is objecting to marry his daughter. But as soon as a complaint is made he turns
on her and blames her immediately without taking her side into consideration.
How has Benedick’s allegiance shifted in this scene from
what it had been before?
Benedick’s allegiance, at first, is with Don John and
Claudio, but in scene three Benedick has to choose between the men and Beatrice
to place his allegiance with. He chooses Beatrice over the prince and the count
and agrees to prove his love by challenging Claudio to a duel to avenge Hero’s
disgrace.
How does Leonato interpret Hero’s facial expression? How
does Friar Francis?
Hero is blushing at Claudio’s accusation which Leonato takes
to mean that she is guilty of this heinous crime and believes this to be proof
enough. Friar Francis however does think
it as a blush of disbelief and sheer embarrassment as she is much too delicate
and lady-like to confront these rumours.
Who is the first to name Don John as the villain behind the
plot?
Borachio and comrade are first to reveal Don John as the
villain when they are overheard by the watchmen.
What is the purpose of Friar Francis’ deception about Hero’s
supposed death?
To make Claudio feel great unease and guilt as he is thought
to be the cause of her untimely death, it enables Hero to escape the torment of
her supposed disloyal nature. By removing Hero from the crime it allows her to
marry without being shamed. As she is perceived to be deceased, Leonato decides
that she will marry Claudio under the false pretence of her being Antonio’s daughter
so Claudio will agree to wed her, then revealing her true self when the marriage
is agreed to.
What is the backup plan if Hero’s reputation cannot be
salvaged?
To send her to an abbey to live her out her life as a
servant of God, this will protect her from ridicule and protect her soul from the
allegations as she can repent her crimes. And prevent Leonato from experiencing
the shame of an unwed and unfaithful daughter.
When Benedick and Beatrice are alone their language is softened
and romantic towards one another as they reveal their true feelings. They no
longer taunt or insult each other in the fashion they once previously did;
removing the obvious comical side to their relationship. The tone is a lot more
serious and the responses a lot more heart felt and true.
Who declares love first for the other, Benedick or Beatrice?
Why? What is the complicating factor in this romantic climax between Benedick
and Beatrice?
Benedick is the first to speak of his unknown love for Beatrice;
he could be trying to break her painful melancholy by declaring his unforeseen love
for the first time, distracting Beatrice from the disgrace her cousin, Hero,
has been subjected to.
How does the lecture explain the ferocity of Beatrice’s rage
lines 300-325?
Beatrice feels powerless in the fight to save her cousin’s
dignity and wishes she were a man; as then she would be heard. She is so full
of rage she has little regard for Benedick’s declaration of love and instead
wishes for a man to fight on her behalf, a strong hint towards Benedick that he
does not take. It expresses her frustration of the events and how little can be
done to resurrect Hero’s name and reputation, as she decides that no man is a
really man anymore ‘but manhood has melted into curtsies’ this is greatly
troubling as the contemporary society was strictly patriotic and to belittle
the role of men is almost unheard of. This articulates her rage at men and
society as it prevents her from taking any part in the situation at hand.
How does Benedick’s decision to challenge Claudio represent
a major change for his character?
Benedick’s decision to challenge Claudio represents his
change in loyalty and company; for he is now confident of his love for Beatrice
and her love for him. The duel is a way to prove his love using actions instead
of words, challenging Claudio, a previous companion, is the ultimate sacrifice
for Benedick as it concludes with him to give up his bachelor way of life to
become a faithful and honest husband for Beatrice.
Again these are fine answers in terms of A01 and A02 BUT you need to connect your views to A03 and A04. The characters are constructs of Shakespeare so you need to demonstrate an understanding of why they are constructed in such a fashion.
ReplyDeleteA simple example is Benedicts transformation from Witty bachelor to a man of action when he decides to defend Hero's honour. Look at what Beatrice says about the nature of men, then look at the historical context for supposed behavioural traits, then look at criticism of the play in terms of language and power.