Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Betrayal in Much Ado about Nothing

     In Shakespeare's play, Much Ado about Nothing,  betrayal is seemingly an extremely prominent theme within the content of the book. Betrayal is in fact, introduced at the very beginning of the play and explored throughout the book's entirety. Therefore, the factor of betrayal does, to an extent, affect the overall outcome of the plot . However, although betrayal is introduced in the beginning of the play it is not until the nearing of the end that betrayal becomes a theme which highlights the climax and also creates foreshadowing determining the outcome of the book. The reader, in the first chapter, establishes that Claudio - the young, naive soldier may be the character that is most affected by this theme - betrayal.
      In the first chapter, Claudio declares his affection for the sweet, Hero to both Benedick and Don Pedro. He then asks for their advice and somewhat approval of his crush. Benedick objects to his declaration, The Prince on the other hand gives not only his support but also devises a plan to woo Hero for Claudio.  On the night of the ball, Don Pedro takes the plan into effect, however, whilst Claudio awaits for the Prince's beckoning Don John enters the scene. He then manipulates and influences Claudio into believing that the Prince is wooing Hero for himself. Claudio feeling double-crossed and deplored posits "Thus answer I in the name of Benedick, But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio: 'Tis certain so, the Prince woos for himself. Friendship is constant in other things, Save in the office and affairs of love...farewell therefore Hero". Don Pedro then proves to be loyal and reliable when calling Claudio to greet Hero.
      This contributes to the process of characterization within the plot. Through the mere fact that Claudio accepted Don John's word over believing his own friend shows that Claudio is not only naive and trusting but it also shows the extent of his trust for his friends. It also displays the Elizabethan Era's perspectives and views that word is a strong force in judgement.
     This betrayal motif continues for Claudio when Don John reveals that Hero has been promiscuous and engaging in premarital sex. Don John cleverly devises a plan to ruin Hero and Claudio's wedding. He pays Borachio a large sum of ducats to make-love to Margaret who would be dressed in Hero's garb and in Hero's room to make the affair seem more realistic. Don John leads the couple to Hero's window whilst the immoral act transpired. Claudio believing the deceptive garb of the scene feels not only betrayed but on some levels astonished that she could do such a thing to a man of high standing.
      Lastly, betrayal is also evident on Hero's character. On the day of the wedding, she is decked out in white, at the alter, staring at the man she loves and what does he do? Not only does he reject her her humiliates her and with false accusations. The pure Hero's reputation now damaged, tainted and only because of a misunderstanding and a villainous plot. She is not only betrayed, she is humiliated, dejected and saddened by the acts of her ex-fiancé. Her father, Leonato also shared these feelings but he instead felt betrayed and ashamed of his daughter.
       Therefore, it could be said that without betrayal there would not only be no climax there would also be no motif and no emotion or a lack thereof. Furthermore, Don John without the theme of betrayal would not really be considered an antagonist in this plot. Hence, betrayal is, in fact, a necessity for this comedy.