Deception, Appearances & Noting
English Lit: AQA GCSE Much Ado About Nothing, topic 8.1.2
Deception, Appearances & Noting
Whilst the contrasting plots of Don John and Don Pedro form the main narrative strands to the play, there are other forms of deception throughout the play, too.
Benedick and Beatrice
- It could be argued that Benedick and Beatrice are deceiving themselves by refusing to acknowledge or accept their true feelings for one another.
- Despite Don Pedro suggesting the task of getting them to fall in love is comparable to one of Hercules’ labours, it is initially relatively simple, only requiring them to overhear how the other is madly in love with them.
Benedick and Beatrice cont.
- Coming to terms with this, after denying their feelings for so long, is the real challenge and admitting this in public at the end of the play is what almost jeopardises their chances of a happy, romantic ending.
Appearance
- A great deal of value is placed on a woman’s physical appearance.
- Claudio asks Benedick in Act 1, Scene 1 “Can the world buy such a jewel?” when talking of Hero’s beauty.
- Having been deceived by Don John at the masked ball, he claims “beauty is a witch” indicating he feels that Hero’s appearance has had a bewitching effect on him.
Borachio and Margaret
- Significantly, the encounter between Borachio and Margaret takes place off stage and the audience never witness Claudio’s reaction first hand.
- We only hear of it from Borachio and witness the consequences in Act 4, Scene 1.
Noting
- The theme of noting also links to appearances and how they can be deceptive.
- Claudio may look young and innocent “in the figure of a lamb” yet has proven himself beyond his years in the war against Don John “performing the feats of a lion.”
- Yet this line also acts as a double entendre (double meaning).
Double entendre
- Claudio may be braver and stronger than he looks, but is still young, rash and impulsive; acting as you might expect someone of his age.
- He can be brave and courageous like a lion, but he is also fierce and aggressive with his language, as shown by his treatment of Hero at their wedding.
- Words, as well appearances, can be deceptive.
Test yourself on Deception, Appearances & Noting
Who is “in the figure of a lamb” while “performing the feats of a lion”?