Saturday, June 15, 2013

What are all the 'pairs' in Much Ado About Nothing?

If you are talking about romantic pairings, Much Ado About Nothinghas a number of obvious couples as well as a few who could be interpreted as having subtle romantic tension. Beatrice and Benedick are the comedic, witty pair who have known one another for a long time. They always spar, but the two are easily tricked into falling for one another. The romance of Claudio and Hero drives the plot. They seem to share...

If you are talking about romantic pairings, Much Ado About Nothing has a number of obvious couples as well as a few who could be interpreted as having subtle romantic tension. Beatrice and Benedick are the comedic, witty pair who have known one another for a long time. They always spar, but the two are easily tricked into falling for one another. The romance of Claudio and Hero drives the plot. They seem to share an earnest affection, but Claudio disavows Hero at their wedding because he believes she has been unfaithful. Finally, Margaret and Borachio’s liaison plays a major role in the story, for Borachio pretends to have relations with Hero rather than Margaret.


Other couples that are only hinted at include Beatrice and Don Pedro. He, perhaps jokingly, asks, “Will you have me, lady?” She turns him down with a jest. Though he seems to remain in good spirits, he says, “Your silence most offends me.” Benedick and Margaret also have a flirtatious conversation in act V, scene 2, which is entirely in character due to their mutual love of double entendres. Some directors pair up Antonio and Ursula due to their brief conversation at the masquerade when Ursula recognizes Antonio by his “excellent wit” and physical characteristics. Another possible pairing is Don John and the loyal Conrade, who says that he will follow Don John “to the death.”


In conclusion, this is a play about relationships, and there is no shortage of pairings, romantic or platonic.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What is the Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, and Falling Action of "One Thousand Dollars"?

Exposition A "decidedly amused" Bobby Gillian leaves the offices of Tolman & Sharp where he is given an envelope containing $1...