Summary

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

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

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

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

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.

1Key Terminology

1.1Key Terminology

1.1.1Key Terminology

1.1.2End of Topic Test - Key Terminology

2Structure & Form

2.1Structure

2.1.1Structure

2.1.2Acts 1 - 3

2.1.3Acts 4 - 5

2.2Form

2.2.1Tragicomedy

2.2.2End of Topic Test - Structure & Form

3Act 1: Plot Summary

3.1Act 1, Scene 1

3.1.1Summary

3.1.2Key Lines

3.1.3Key Lines 2

3.1.4End of Topic Test - Act 1, Scene 1

3.2Act 1, Scene 2

3.2.1Summary

3.2.2Key Lines

3.3Act 1, Scene 3

3.3.1Summary

3.3.2Key Lines

3.3.3End of Topic Test - Act 1, Scenes 2-3

4Act 2: Plot Summary

4.1Act 2, Scene 1

4.1.1Summary

4.1.2Key Lines

4.1.3Key Lines 2

4.1.4Key Lines 3

4.1.5End of Topic Test - Act 2, Scene 1

4.2Act 2, Scene 2

4.2.1Summary

4.3Act 2, Scene 3

4.3.1Summary

4.3.2Key Lines

4.3.3Key Lines 2

4.3.4End of Topic Test - Act 2, Scenes 2-3

5Act 3: Plot Summary

5.1Act 3, Scene 1

5.1.1Summary

5.1.2Key Lines

5.2Act 3, Scene 2

5.2.1Summary

5.2.2Key Lines

5.3Act 3, Scene 3

5.3.1Summary

5.4Act 3, Scene 4

5.4.1Summary

5.5Act 3, Scene 5

5.5.1Summary

5.5.2End of Topic Test - Act 3

6Act 4: Plot Summary

6.1Act 4, Scene 1 (Part 1)

6.1.1Summary

6.1.2Key Lines

6.1.3Key Lines 2

6.2Act 4, Scene 1 (Part 2)

6.2.1Summary

6.2.2Key Lines

6.2.3Key Lines 2

6.3Act 4, Scene 2

6.3.1Summary

6.3.2End of Topic Test - Act 4

7Act 5: Plot Summary

7.1Act 5, Scene 1

7.1.1Summary

7.2Act 5, Scene 2

7.2.1Summary

7.2.2Key Lines

7.3Act 5, Scene 3

7.3.1Summary

7.4Act 5, Scene 4

7.4.1Summary

7.4.2End of Topic Test - Act 5

8Key Themes

8.1Key Themes

8.1.1Love & Marriage

8.1.2Deception, Appearances & Noting

8.1.3Gender

8.1.4Reputation

8.1.5End of Topic Test - Key Themes

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