4.1.4

Key Lines 3

Test yourself

Don Pedro

DON PEDRO: If we can do this, Cupid is no longer an archer; his glory shall be ours, for we are the only love-gods.

Illustrative background for Don Pedro’s planIllustrative background for Don Pedro’s plan ?? "content

Don Pedro’s plan

  • Don Pedro’s use of the conditional tense (“if”) suggests that he knows that it will be no easy task to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love.
  • He talks of Cupid’s “glory”, implying he takes a great deal of pride and honour in successfully matching couples.
Illustrative background for HamartiaIllustrative background for Hamartia ?? "content

Hamartia

  • His self-comparison to Cupid could be viewed as arrogant, especially by a more modern audience.
  • Again, structurally this hint at Don Pedro’s over-confidence relates to the concept of fatal flaws (hamartia) in a classical tragedy.
Illustrative background for Act 5, Scene 1Illustrative background for Act 5, Scene 1 ?? "content

Act 5, Scene 1

  • It also prepares the audience for his disrespectful attitude towards Leonato and Antonio in Act 5, Scene 1.

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