4.1.1

Summary

Test yourself

Act 2, Scene 1: Claudio and Hero

This lengthy scene is centred around the key theme of deception and appearances as it is set during a ball masque or masked ball. Some characters are unaware of who they are speaking to. Others pretend to be someone else.

Illustrative background for Act 2 (rising action)Illustrative background for Act 2 (rising action) ?? "content

Act 2 (rising action)

  • At a masked ball, Don Pedro and Don John’s deceptive plots are put into action.
  • Despite Don John’s best efforts, Claudio and Hero are to marry in a week’s time.
  • In the meantime, Don Pedro hatches another plot to trick Benedick and Beatrice into falling in love.
Illustrative background for Act 2, Scene 1Illustrative background for Act 2, Scene 1 ?? "content

Act 2, Scene 1

  • The scene begins with a Leonato, Antonio, Beatrice and Hero discussing Don John, whom the audience now know has revealed himself as the play’s villain.
  • Beatrice's distrust of him illustrates her insightful character.
Illustrative background for Blank verseIllustrative background for Blank verse ?? "content

Blank verse

  • The revels begin and Don Pedro begins his wooing of Hero.
  • As with much of the dialogue in scenes featuring Hero, blank verse is utilised here to highlight the formal, traditional approach to love and romance.
Illustrative background for Benedick and BeatriceIllustrative background for Benedick and Beatrice ?? "content

Benedick and Beatrice

  • Benedick and Beatrice again insult one another, seemingly unaware they are talking to each other.
  • This time, Beatrice has the advantage, describing Benedick as “the prince’s jester; a very dull fool.”
Illustrative background for Deception Illustrative background for Deception  ?? "content

Deception

  • Don John deceives Claudio into thinking Don Pedro has wooed Hero for himself.
  • In having Claudio react in the way he does (“beauty is a witch”), Shakespeare is preparing the audience for the second time he is tricked by Don John and Borachio, and when he will publicly denounce (reject) Hero on their wedding day.

Act 2, Scene 1: Benedick and Beatrice

This lengthy scene is centred around the key theme of deception and appearances as it is set during a ball masque or masked ball. Some characters are unaware of who they are speaking to. Others pretend to be someone else.

Illustrative background for Benedick's diatribe Illustrative background for Benedick's diatribe  ?? "content

Benedick's diatribe

  • Don Pedro talks with Benedick, who launches into a diatribe (extended speech expressing feelings of anger) against Beatrice.
  • Again, the audience are given a hint that there may be more to the “merry war of words” than there initially appeared to be.
Illustrative background for Beatrice's feelingsIllustrative background for Beatrice's feelings ?? "content

Beatrice's feelings

  • This is further supported when, after he has resolved Claudio’s confusion, Beatrice tells Don Pedro that Benedick once won her heart “with false dice.”
Illustrative background for Don Pedro's planIllustrative background for Don Pedro's plan ?? "content

Don Pedro's plan

  • Don Pedro realises that Beatrice and Benedick are well-suited and requests the help of Claudio, Leonato and Hero in undertaking “one of Hercules’ labours” to make them fall “into a mountain of affection” with each other.
Illustrative background for Hercules’ laboursIllustrative background for Hercules’ labours ?? "content

Hercules’ labours

  • Hercules’ labours were twelve impossible tasks, which he successfully managed to complete.
  • This could be viewed as subtle foreshadowing of the climax to the play’s subplot.
  • The use of natural imagery implies that, despite being borne of deception, the love between Benedick and Beatrice will be strong and deep.

Jump to other topics

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson