Much Ado About Nothing Deceit
Much Ado About Nothing - DeceitIn Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare the role of deceit is played to the fullest to achieve the farcical effect that Shakespeare intended to put on “true love.” Nearly every character is effected in one way or another by this never ceasing deceit. Deceit is used to make characters fall into love, out of love, and back into love by the completion of the play. Much ado About Nothing is a play that involves an elaborate network of schemes, tricks, and deceit to achieve a satirical “true love” effect.
The first event of the deceit occurs in Act II Scene iii when Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato stage a conversation for Benedick to overhear. Leonato, Claudio, and Don Pedro realize Benedick’s stubbornness towards love when he states “…man is a fool when he dedicates his behaviors to love…” (II, iii, 9-10). Because of Benedick’s attitude the plan of having Benedick overhear their conversation is devised. The three men accomplish this plan by waiting for Benedick to be in ear-shot when they raise the topic of Leonato’s niece, Beatrice. Don Pedro’s reference about “…your niece Beatrice was in love with Signor Benedick…” (II, iii, 96-97) helps to accomplish such manipulation of Benedick. As a result of the staged conversation Benedick decides that he loves Beatrice because she loves him. This same scheme is practiced on Beatrice to trick her into loving Benedick, with Hero and Ursala staging the conversation.
The most significant trick employed during this play is carried out in act IV Scene I when Don...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.