Key Lines
English Lit: AQA GCSE Much Ado About Nothing, topic 6.1.2
Claudio
Shakespeare again makes a reference to appearances.
Key line
- CLAUDIO: She’s but the sign and semblance of her honour.
Appearances
- To illustrate the poisonous hold Don John’s trick has on Claudio, Shakespeare again makes a reference to appearances.
- Hero merely seems to be virginal and pure on the outside (“semblance”).
- In Claudio’s mind, Hero is tainted and impure - hence the derogatory “rotten orange” metaphor.
Sibilance
- Through the use of sibilance (repeated ‘s’ sounds), Shakespeare conveys an angry tone in Claudio’s words.
- It is almost as if the words are spat out, reflecting the disgust and hatred Claudio feels at this point in the play.
Claudio
Claudio compares Hero to two Roman Goddesses: Diana and Venus.
Key line
- CLAUDIO: You seem to me as Dian in her orb,
As chaste as is the bud ere it be blown
But you are more intemperate in your blood than Venus
Confliction
- Claudio’s conflicted feelings towards Hero are reflected in the contrasting references to:
- Diana: Roman Goddess of Chastity (Purity).
- Venus: Roman Goddess of Love and the equivalent to Aphrodite, famous for having many lovers amongst the Gods.
Roman Goddesses
- Furthermore, the reference to these two Roman Goddesses may reflect the unrealistic feelings Claudio always has towards Hero.
- In his mind, she must always be comparable to a deity or even something supernatural (“Beauty is a witch”).
- He is unable to view her simply as she is and must always make a comparison to express his feelings towards her.
Test yourself on Key Lines
In Act 4, Scene 1 which character says "She’s but the sign and semblance of her honour."?
How does Shakespeare convey an angry tone in Claudio’s words in Act 4, Scene 1?