Hero and Claudio seem to have a simple love, especially in comparison to the complicated romance between Beatrice and Benedick. The two are archetypal lovers, young, bashful, and innocent. Claudio is struck with silence at the approval of their marriage, and Hero demurely whispers affectionate words into his ear.
Their characterization takes a backseat to the dramatic events that beset them, a key aspect of melodrama. Don John convinces Don Pedro and the naive Claudio...
Hero and Claudio seem to have a simple love, especially in comparison to the complicated romance between Beatrice and Benedick. The two are archetypal lovers, young, bashful, and innocent. Claudio is struck with silence at the approval of their marriage, and Hero demurely whispers affectionate words into his ear.
Their characterization takes a backseat to the dramatic events that beset them, a key aspect of melodrama. Don John convinces Don Pedro and the naive Claudio of Hero’s unfaithfulness, and on their wedding day, Claudio humiliates Hero in front of the congregation.
The pure Hero exhibits “A thousand blushing apparitions” and “a thousand innocent shames / In angel whiteness” before fainting, while her father rages against her and wishes death upon his own daughter. At Beatrice’s urging, Benedick challenges his close friend Claudio to a duel. These sensational developments are meant to elicit strong emotions in the audience.
This drama counterbalances and highlights the comedic aspects of Much Ado About Nothing, from the witty Beatrice and Benedick to the ridiculous Dogberry. In these scenes, the comedy veers into darker, nearly tragic territory, raising the stakes and giving weight to the play.
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