5.2.1

Summary

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Act 3, Scene 2

The two deceptions come together and the male characters tease Benedick for his change in character since falling in love with Beatrice. The mood changes sharply as Don John arrives with some “ill news” for Claudio.

Benedick's change

Benedick's change

  • The audience can clearly see that the plot to trick Benedick has successfully worked as Leonato, Claudio and Don Pedro note how he now wears scented fragrances and takes greater care in his appearance.
  • In some productions of the play, Benedick has had a shave in response to Beatrice’s earlier remark that she could not ensure a husband with a beard.
Benedick's absence

Benedick's absence

  • Unable to stand the mockery any further, Benedick leaves with Leonato.
  • This serves the dramatic function of ensuring Benedick is not on stage when Don John arrives claiming he has proof of Hero’s unfaithfulness.
  • If Benedick were present, it is unlikely that the plot would be as successful.
  • This idea is supported by Benedick being the one who will plan Don John’s punishment at the end of the play.
Claudio is fooled

Claudio is fooled

  • This is the second time that Don John has fooled (or will fool) Claudio in the play.
  • This prepares the audience for his treatment of Hero at the wedding in Act 4.
  • Whilst his language is still in the conditional tense “If I should see anything…” Don John’s poison has taken hold and the audience anticipates the worst as both he and Don Pedro vow to publicly shame Hero once they have ‘proof’.
Hidden scene

Hidden scene

  • It is important to note that the scene involving Margaret and Borachio is never shown on stage.
  • The audience only hears of Claudio’s reaction from Borachio in the next scene.
  • This accentuates (increases) the innocence of Hero’s character.
Jump to other topics
1

Key Terminology

1.1

Key Terminology

1.1.1Key Terminology1.1.2End of Topic Test - Key Terminology
2

Structure & Form

2.1

Structure

2.1.1Structure2.1.2Acts 1 - 32.1.3Acts 4 - 5
2.2

Form

2.2.1Tragicomedy2.2.2End of Topic Test - Structure & Form
3

Act 1: Plot Summary

3.1

Act 1, Scene 1

3.1.1Summary3.1.2Key Lines3.1.3Key Lines 23.1.4End of Topic Test - Act 1, Scene 1
3.2

Act 1, Scene 2

3.2.1Summary3.2.2Key Lines
3.3

Act 1, Scene 3

3.3.1Summary3.3.2Key Lines3.3.3End of Topic Test - Act 1, Scenes 2-3
4

Act 2: Plot Summary

4.1

Act 2, Scene 1

4.1.1Summary4.1.2Key Lines4.1.3Key Lines 24.1.4Key Lines 34.1.5End of Topic Test - Act 2, Scene 1
4.2

Act 2, Scene 2

4.2.1Summary
4.3

Act 2, Scene 3

4.3.1Summary4.3.2Key Lines4.3.3Key Lines 24.3.4End of Topic Test - Act 2, Scenes 2-3
5

Act 3: Plot Summary

5.1

Act 3, Scene 1

5.1.1Summary5.1.2Key Lines
5.2

Act 3, Scene 2

5.2.1Summary5.2.2Key Lines
5.3

Act 3, Scene 3

5.3.1Summary
5.4

Act 3, Scene 4

5.4.1Summary
5.5

Act 3, Scene 5

5.5.1Summary5.5.2End of Topic Test - Act 3
6

Act 4: Plot Summary

6.1

Act 4, Scene 1 (Part 1)

6.1.1Summary6.1.2Key Lines6.1.3Key Lines 2
6.2

Act 4, Scene 1 (Part 2)

6.2.1Summary6.2.2Key Lines6.2.3Key Lines 2
6.3

Act 4, Scene 2

6.3.1Summary6.3.2End of Topic Test - Act 4
7

Act 5: Plot Summary

7.1

Act 5, Scene 1

7.1.1Summary
7.2

Act 5, Scene 2

7.2.1Summary7.2.2Key Lines
7.3

Act 5, Scene 3

7.3.1Summary
7.4

Act 5, Scene 4

7.4.1Summary7.4.2End of Topic Test - Act 5
8

Key Themes

8.1

Key Themes

8.1.1Love & Marriage8.1.2Deception, Appearances & Noting8.1.3Gender8.1.4Reputation8.1.5End of Topic Test - Key Themes
9

Recap: Main Quotes

9.1

Characters Quotes

9.1.1Beatrice9.1.2Beatrice 29.1.3Benedick 19.1.4Benedick 29.1.5Benedick 39.1.6Benedick 49.1.7Benedick 59.1.8Beatrice & Benedick9.1.9Beatrice & Benedick 29.1.10Beatrice & Benedick 39.1.11Claudio9.1.12Claudio 29.1.13Claudio & Benedick9.1.14Don John9.1.15Don John 29.1.16Don Pedro9.1.17Hero9.1.18Leonato9.1.19Leonato & Messanger
9.2

Text Structure - Quotes

9.2.1Deception, Appearances & Noting9.2.2Gender9.2.3Reputation

Practice questions on Summary

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  1. 1
    Benedick's changes in character:Fill in the list
  2. 2
    Which character is importantly not on stage when Don John arrives claiming he has proof of Hero’s unfaithfulness?Multiple choice
  3. 3
    In Act 3, Scene 2 who says __“If I should see anything…”__?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    Events of Act 3, Scene 2Put in order
  5. 5
    Why does Benedick leave the stage in Act 3, Scene 2?Multiple choice
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Key Lines

Key Lines