The Paradoxical Relationships Within the Play Much Ado About Nothing

Hero and Claudio 

     At first glance one would assume after characterizing Hero and Claudio that their relationship was golden or they were always meant to be. However as the story progresses, one can conclude this is not the case. At the beginning of the play both characters seem to have similar traits. Claudio is characterized as noble, brave, fearless, and virtuous. "He hath borne himself beyond the promise of his age, doing in the figure of a lamb the feat of a lion." (I. I. 9-14) Hero is also characterized as a kind, gentile, and virtuous young girl. "She is the sweetest lady that ever I looked on." (I. I. 171-172) One would believe that Hero and Claudio having matching personalities would therefore have a stable and sweet relationship. However in Act III Claudio's true nature begins to appear. Claudio soon seems to be portray as a  bit immature. Not only was he to shy to confront Hero about his feels, which is not considered brave or fearless, he convinces Don Pedro to device her. This action does not match his stated noble characteristics. Furthermore, he also is quick to accuse and turn on people. "May this be so? If I see anything tonight, I will shame her." (III. II. 103-109) Without even hesitating he states he will turn on Hero and toss her to the side if she has been disloyal. This action is not to be considered noble or virtuous as he has not actually been confronted with the truth, but either way he has already disregard Hero. Thus, although the couple may appear sweet, Claudio has some what of a mixed personality as his characteristics seem to change from the battle feild to the comforts of home. As the reader discovers Claudio's true personalities, they can conclude that he is not who he appears and therefore not a suitable partner for Hero. Their relationship is not paradoxical but completely clashes.

Beatrice and Benedick 

     While Hero and Claudio appear to have a strong relationship, it is the opposite with the case of Beatrice and Benedick. At first glance both characters seem to dislike each other  endlessly teasing each other, too stubborn and proud to admit defeat. "I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick; nobody marks you. What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?" (I. I. 105-107) Both Beatrice and Benedick are no doubt portrayed as witty and clear and it is love that is born out of their hatred for each other. Both soon trying to please each other. "He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man." (II. I 30-31) When Beatrice claims she dislikes men with beards, Benedick gladly shaves his in order  to impress her. Furthermore, although both claim to hate each other and refuse to marry, when hints are dropped that the other loves them, they seem to forget about their hatred and immediately fall in love with the other."Benedick, love on. I will requite thee, taming my wild heart to thy loving hand." (III. I. 111-113) Both characters stubbornness and pride is what allows them to love each other as they are both trying to prove that are not unable to love but are passionate and caring. Therefore, a love is born out of hate and their own stubbornness. Their relationship paradoxical.

The Use of Deception Within Act II of Much Ado About Nothing

      In Act II of the play Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare demonstrates multiple examples of deception. Although there are examples of positive deception such as creating white lies to benefit certain characters, there are also examples of negative deception that could lead to conflict. For example in Act II, scene  I, Don Pedro realizing how miserable Beatrice is, and given the history between herself and Benedick, decided to end their quarreling by  tricking both of them to fall in love with each other. "I will teach you how to humor your cousin that she shall fall in love with Benedick; and I, with your two helps, will so practice on Benedick that, in despite of his quick wit and queasy stomach, he shall fall in love with Beatrice" (II.I.350-356). Don Pedro, Leonate, Claudio, and Hero all realize that Beatrice and Benedick are both miserable as their argument grow more tiresome and childish. Benedick's and Beatrice's refusal to get married and hatred for love is foolish. Their friends seeing their pain fool them into falling in love with each other to help end their misery and embrace love an joy. In this form, deception is a positive thing. However, Shakespeare also expresses the negative forms of deception . For example in Act II, scene II, we learn of Don John's plan to ruin Claudio's and hero's wedding plans. "Any bar, and cross, any impediment will be medicinable to me. I am sick in displeasure to him, and whatsover comes athwart his affection ranges evenly with mine. How canst thou cross this marriage?" (II.II.4-8) Don John angry at his brother as being the prince and him the baster, decides to decisive his friends and thwart Claudio's and Hero's wedding . With the help of Borachio, Don John will imply that Hero is not a virgin and is in love with another. Then on the night before the wedding, Don John will lead Don Pedro and Claudio to Hero's window where they will see Borachio disguised as the secret lover, make love to a servant, who will appear as thou Hero. In this case, deception is a negative thing. as Don John's lies and tricks are harming those around him. Overall both examples express that deception can be positive or negative depending on how it affects those involved. Shakespeare