Much Ado About Nothing Deception Analysis

In William Shakespeare’s comical play “Much Ado About Nothing” it is easily said that trickery and deceit are major themes portrayed throughout the story. With the intense use of deception, it becomes hard to realize whether the deceit was an intentional or righteous act. While using deception the play keeps anyone who comes to read it interested and entertained. Throughout the play there are multiple times that the theme is being used for malicious reasons, however it is also evident that it is used for ethical and logical reasons. These themes lead to love and romance distinctly, considering that most deception used all through the play is unfortunate. Deception and trickery are most evident, in the interaction between Beatrice and Benedick.

However, it influences their relationship throughout the play and bring them together in the end. Also, Leonato and Hero advocate a plan with the help of the Prince, Hero’s gentlewoman, Ursula to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love with each other. The Prince's brother, Don John plays a major role with deception as well.

Although deception is used mostly used by the characters, Beatrice and Benedick, there are also other characters who use it as well. Don John uses deception significantly, by trying to sabotage the marriage between Claudio and Hero. Don John intentionally chooses to deceit Claudio by saying “ I am sick in displeasure to him, and whatsoever comes athwart his affection ranges evenly with mine” (2.2; 5-7). This quote shows how much Don John hates Claudio and he states that if anyone can ruin his happiness it will make him happy. In a conversation with Borachio, Don John says,” That young start-up hath all the glory of my overthrow. If I can cross him any way, I bless myself every way” (1.3; 64-66). This quote explains the reason behind Don John wanting to ruin their marriage. It means that Don John had plans of overthrowing the Prince, but Claudio somehow stopped the process. Leonato abuses deception against Claudio and the Prince when he exclaims “My soul doth tell me Hero is belied, And that shall Claudio know ; so shall the Prince and all of them that thus dishonor her” (5.1; 44-46). Leonato is explaining to his brother that they are going to tell Claudio and the Prince that Hero has suffered death, so they will no longer dishonor her integrity. Hero disdain shows when she states, “One Hero died defiled, but I do live, And surely as I live, I am a maid” (5.4; 65-66). She feels betrayed by Claudio, when he wrongly accused her of being disloyal.

Beatrice and Benedick are deceiving themselves into believing they don’t have feelings for each other, and exchanging witty insults .Whenever she has the chance Beatrice always finds a way to insult Benedick. She says “O Lord, he will hang upon him like a disease! He is sooner caught than the pestilence, and the taker runs presently mad. God help the noble Claudio! If he have caught the Benedick, it will cost him a thousand pound ere a be cured” (1.1; 84-89). Beatrice explains to the Messenger that, Benedick is like a disease that is easy to catch but hard to get rid of and when you’re infected that you’ll go crazy. Benedick has his share of wit when he says,” I would my horse had the speed of your tongue and so good a continuer. But keep your way, i' God’s name. I have done. He clarifies that he wishes that his horse moves as fast her mouth and tireless. Beatrice says” A dear happiness to women. They would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood I am of your humor for that. I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me” (1.1; 126-129). Beatrice explains to Benedick that women are lucky to not be loved by him, and that he would make a terrible lover. She also explains that she would rather hear an eerie sound than have a man swear he loves her. Even though the two are always exchanging wit, it is obvious that they love each other deeply.

There are countless moments throughout the story when deception was used for robust reasons.

This is portrayed when Leonato and Hero devise a plan to trick Beatrice and Benedick. Leonato knows the truth behind Beatrice’s feeling when he says, “ “By my troth, my lord, I cannot tell what to think of it, but that she loves him with an enraged affection, it is past the infinite of thought” (2.3.106-109). He is expressing that Beatrice has passionate love for Benedick, but no one will understand the way she shows it. Leonato, Claudio, and the Prince intentionally talk about Beatrice, which they know will make Benedick eavesdrop. Claudio tell Leonato and the Prince, “ Hero thinks surely she will die, for she says she will die if he love her not, and she will die ere she make her love known, and she will die if he woo her rather than she will bate one breath of her accustomed crossness” ( 2.3; 179-183). He says that Beatrice says that she will die if he doesn’t love her, and that she’ll die before she tells him. The Prince agrees with him when he states, “She doth well. If she should make tender of her love, ’tis very possible he’ll scorn it, for the man, as you know all, hath a contemptible spirit” (2.3; 184-186). He explains that she’s right to want to hide her love because Benedick will probably insult

her.