Absence of Comedy
- no comedic elements
- pathos (sympathy), bathos (exaggeration), peripatia (mood alters)
Deception
- friar lies through verse
- Benedick vows to lie
- Hero 'dies' because of a lie
- Benedick and Beatrice confess their love because of a lie
Study Questions
Why do Claudio and Don Pedro decide upon public humiliation at the wedding?
Claudio and Don Pedro decide upon public humiliation in order to seek revenge against Hero. The Elizabethan standard of women was for them to be under man's diminion, as commented on by Cornerlius a Lapide, "For the authority of men extends [...] to reasonable creatures, that is women and wives." The accusations against Hero present her as having no respect for Claudio, the ruling man in her life. Furthermore
by publicly humiliating Hero, the magnitude of the shaming will be increased as opposed to just leaving her. The guests present will be enlightened to the supposed treachery committed by Hero, with the possibility of her being outcast by her friends and family. The shaming will not affect only her, but will tar her family into humiliation.
How does Leonato react to Claudio's accusation at the wedding? Why?
Leonato reacts in a way consistent with the style of the scene. His nature is true to the tragic nature, with elements of Bathos woven into his reaction of the shaming of Hero. "Hath no man's dagger here a point for me?". Leonato's intense pride is bruised; his one child has shamed him and he begins to regret only having one daughter, "Grieved I, I had but one?" His family's future lineage has been compromised due to Hero's infidelity; no man will want to marry a disloyal woman.
How has Benedick's allegiance shifted in this scene from what it had been before? Why?
Benedick's allegiance has shifted from the men to Beatrice. This is made evident in his confession of his love for Beatrice towards the end of the scene, "I protest I love thee." and later, his agreement to kill Claudio as an act of revenge against "I will challenge him." Benedick's apparent change in allegiance is due to his belief that Beatrice is in fact in love with him, "By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me." This is a stark example of peripatia within the play. In previous scenes, such as 1.1, Benedick and Beatrice appeared to possess a slight hatred for each other, "Well, you are a rare parrot teacher." "A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours." Their continual sparring became one of the main sources of humour within the narrative, and also presented the pair of them as being anti-institutionalized love. In 4.1, the opinions held by each of the said protagonists have completely changed. The pair now conform to institutionalized love. 4.1 itself could be considered an example of peripeteia within the play, due to tragic conventions prevaling over those of a comedic style. In previous scenes, bawdiness and wit have been central to the prose, "A maid and stuffed! There's a godly catching of a cold." (3.4, 59-60) whilst in this particular scene wit and bawdiness are scarce. The shaming of Hero, coupled with Benedick and Beatrice's confession of love are presented in a serious manner, befitting of Shakespeare's tragedies.
Furthermore, Benedick's allegiance with Beatrice is typical of that of courtly love. Benedick and Beatrice cannot be together if Benedick still holds a strong relationship, or 'love', with the men. His commitment to Beatrice is solidified by his promise to challenge Claudio.
How does Leonato interpret Hero's facial expression? How does Friar Francis?
Leonato interprets Hero's facial expression as admittance to her guilt, and confirming Leonato's belief that she has been unfaithful. Friar Francis' interpretation is at a complete contrast to Leonato's. He says that "in her eye there hath appeared fires, to burn the errors." The defiance and anger in Hero's eyes as described by the Friar show Francis' trust in the young girl.
Who is the first to name Don John as the villain behind the plot?
Benedick is the first person to accuse Don John as the culprit, "The practice of it lives in John the bastard, Whose spirits toil in frame of villainies."
What is the purpose of Friar Francis' deception about Hero's supposed death?
The purpose in the Friar's deception is to provide a harsh wake up call to Claudio, who upon hearing about Hero's death will cause "Th'idea of her life shall sweetly creep into his study of imagination." By deceiving Claudio in believing that Hero has died, he will feel overwhelmed with guilt, and love her once more which in return will work against the shaming, removing any stigma from Leonato's family.
What is the back up plan if Hero's reputation cannot be salvaged?
The back up plan is to send Hero to a convent, "in some reclusive and religious life" as stated by the Friar.
How does the language change once Benedick and Beatrice are alone? Why?
The language changes from large monologues performed by the Friar to concise, blunt sentences. This evident change is a clear marker for the passion between Benedick and Beatrice. Previously, conversations between the pair had been comically hostile with a similar sentence length. In 4.1, Benedick and Beatrice have now spoke about their love for each other and for the first time in the play, are having a serious conversation. The blunt language, "Kill Claudio" is evidence for their emotional states after the tragic 'wedding scene' and their new found love for each other. Furthermore, the sentence length appears to be caused by fast paced interruptions, "Beatrice-""In faith, I will go."
Who declares love for the other, Benedick or Beatrice? Why? What is the compelling factor in this romantic climax between Beatrice and Benedick?
Benedick is the first to declare his love. "I do love nothing in the world as well as you." His confession could be seen as his way of comforting Beatrice, or his new-found appreciation due to the destruction of Hero and Claudio's relationship prior. The compelling factor within the romantic climax is Beatrice's desire for the death of Claudio, "Kill Claudio." Benedick submits to her request, after initially being in disbelief at the thought, "Ha, not for the wide world."
How does the lecture explain the ferocity of Beatrice's rage at line 300-325?
Beatrice's rage is focussed upon the social restrictions placed upon her due to her gender. Her repetition of "O, that I were a man."is evidence of her frustration. Her desire to act, but inability to do so is thus aimed at Benedick, when she asks him to Claudio. Beatrice's fury at gender stereotypes is particularly ironic as just before this rage she admitted her love for Benedick, "I was about to protest I loved you." places her within the stereotype for institutionalized love. Beatrice protests against gender stereotypes immediately after having conformed to them.
How does Benedick's decision to challenge Claudio represent a major change for his character?
Benedick's decision to challenge Claudio represents a major change for his character as it is the outcome of his confession of love for Beatrice, and her identical response. His love for Beatrice, and his defiance against Claudio's slandering of Hero is a contrast to the man who pledged he would "die a bachelor."
Sunday, 10 March 2013
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Act 3, Scene 5
Fixing malapropisms
"Marry, sir, I would have some confidence with you that decerns you nearly." (concerns)
"Goodman Verges, sir, speaks a little off the matter: an old man, sir, and his wits are not so blunt as, God help, I would desire they were. " (sharp)
"Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour Verges." (arduous)
Study Questions
What does Dogberry want about all to communicate to Leonato in this scene? Why? How does this impede the discovery of the crime against Hero?
Dogberry wants to communicate to Leonato that under his supervision, his watch have captured two criminals. Dogberry's motives seem to be personal glory and praise from Leonato, rather than seeking punishment for the apprehended. This impedes the discover of the crime against Hero, as Dogberry's desire for gratitude prevents Leonato from taking him seriously. Dogberry's incompetence induces boredom onto Leonato who, sick of hearing Dogberry's antics, "must leave".
The great honour bestowed upon Dogberry and Verges is permission to conduct the examination of the criminals.
The great honour bestowed upon Dogberry and Verges is permission to conduct the examination of the criminals.
Act 3, Scene 4
Margaret's role
- comic relief
- distraction from a serious point
- Hero is 'uneasy' and Beatrice is 'unwell'. Pre-wedding jitters?
Bawdiness - "be heavier soon by the weight of a man", "heavier for a husband", "a maid and stuffed! There's a godly catching of a cold."
Study Questions
How has Beatrice changed in this scene from her previous behaviour? Identify two sexual jokes the girls make in this scene.
Beatrice's change in personality is particularly evident in this scene. In Act 1, Scene 1, Beatrice's stance against institutionalized love was presented through her treatment of Benedick, "a bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours." Her refusal to conform to the idealized notion of love is at a stark contrast to what was expected from Elizabethan women, as commented on by Thomas Elyot in 1531, "good nature of a woman is to be mild." However, Beatrice's nature appears to have changed in this scene. Her lack of bawdiness and wit coupled with frustration of Margaret's jokes, "How long have you professed apprehension?" is evidence of Beatrice's conformity with the expectations of women in the time period.
Two sexual jokes within the scene are: "a maid and stuffed! There's a godly catching of a cold." and "heavier for a husband".
What is the Cardus Benedictus referred to in the scene and what does Beatrice think it means?
Cardus benedictus is a thistle plat with healing properties, but Beatrice thinks Margaret is referring to Benedick. It could be taken that Beatrice will be healed of her nonconformity by settling with Benedick.
Are we deceived by Margaret's humour?
Friday, 8 March 2013
Act 3, Scene 3
Comic relief = a humorous or farcial interlude in a serious literary work or drama, especially a tragedy, intended to to relieve the dramatic tension or heighten the emotional impact by means of contrast
= needed in this scene due to the planned shaming of Hero present in the prior scene.
Before
Don John 'reveals' that Hero is promiscuos and has slept with different men. Claudio plans to shame her at the wedding.
NOW
Borachio drunkenly confesses in front of the incompetent watchmen.
After
The watchmen do not act, wedding carries on as planned and Hero is shamed.
Criticism
"Take away from Much Ado all that which is not dispensable to the plot, either as having little to do iwth it, or, at best, like Dogberry [...] what remains? The implication is nothing, or almost nothing; so that the play as a whole has no purpose - that it has no unity." Coleridge.
Coleridge could be seen as being incorrect, due to an opinion that the characters within the play are living up to their expectations, they know they are playing a role.
Malapropisms = words that sound right but are incorrect.
Coleridge "any other less ingeniously absurd watchmen and night constables would have answered the mere necessities of the action."
Study Questions
1) The serious social problem regarding the satire on Dogberry and the watch, is that Dogberry seemingly appears to be of a lower class, and thus intelligence. The distinct difference between Dogberry and the higher class characters within the play is especially evident through Leonato's exasperation towards Dogberry's misdoings, in the later Act 3, Scene 5 "I am now in great haste, as it may appear unto you." The power of the novel resides with the ability to communicate; Dogberry's many malapropisms are further evidence for his small place in society. Even Don John, who even himself believes him to not be of "many words.", is presented as being competent, which cannot be said for Dogberry. This could be Shakespeare's criticism of the watch and patrol present in his contemporary period; lower class and incompetent. As a result, the higher class are free to run riot, such as Don John, Borachio and the shaming of Hero.
2) Dogberry's use of malaprops are a reflection of his incompetence. Also, his malapropisms are key to the main function of this scene, creating comic relief ie "if they should have an allegiance in them" (should be disloyalty), "who think you the most desertless man" (deserving), "you are thought to be the most senseless" (sensible).
I'LL REVISIT THIS, MENTAL BLOCK
= needed in this scene due to the planned shaming of Hero present in the prior scene.
Before
Don John 'reveals' that Hero is promiscuos and has slept with different men. Claudio plans to shame her at the wedding.
NOW
Borachio drunkenly confesses in front of the incompetent watchmen.
After
The watchmen do not act, wedding carries on as planned and Hero is shamed.
Criticism
"Take away from Much Ado all that which is not dispensable to the plot, either as having little to do iwth it, or, at best, like Dogberry [...] what remains? The implication is nothing, or almost nothing; so that the play as a whole has no purpose - that it has no unity." Coleridge.
Coleridge could be seen as being incorrect, due to an opinion that the characters within the play are living up to their expectations, they know they are playing a role.
Malapropisms = words that sound right but are incorrect.
Coleridge "any other less ingeniously absurd watchmen and night constables would have answered the mere necessities of the action."
Study Questions
1) The serious social problem regarding the satire on Dogberry and the watch, is that Dogberry seemingly appears to be of a lower class, and thus intelligence. The distinct difference between Dogberry and the higher class characters within the play is especially evident through Leonato's exasperation towards Dogberry's misdoings, in the later Act 3, Scene 5 "I am now in great haste, as it may appear unto you." The power of the novel resides with the ability to communicate; Dogberry's many malapropisms are further evidence for his small place in society. Even Don John, who even himself believes him to not be of "many words.", is presented as being competent, which cannot be said for Dogberry. This could be Shakespeare's criticism of the watch and patrol present in his contemporary period; lower class and incompetent. As a result, the higher class are free to run riot, such as Don John, Borachio and the shaming of Hero.
2) Dogberry's use of malaprops are a reflection of his incompetence. Also, his malapropisms are key to the main function of this scene, creating comic relief ie "if they should have an allegiance in them" (should be disloyalty), "who think you the most desertless man" (deserving), "you are thought to be the most senseless" (sensible).
I'LL REVISIT THIS, MENTAL BLOCK
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Act 3, Scene 2
Transformation
Benedick's appearence
As Benedick enters stage during this scene, he has shaved his beard. The lack of beard links back to Beatrice's wan for a man between youth and maturity,"he that hath a beard is more than a youth and he that hath no beards is less than a man." A young adult, shaven, was the centre of many Elizabethan desires. Benedick's change in appearence was also noticed by Claudio, "No, but the barber's man hath been seen with him, and the old ornament of his cheek hath already stuffed tennis-balls.", the old ornament of his face being his beard. Benedick's marked change in regards to his appearence is evidently down to his re-found love for Beatrice. Furthermore, the other men have noticed a change in his disposition as well, "Me thinks you are sadder" "I hope he be in love." Benedick places the blame for his new image and personality on "the toothache." The toothace is a recurring theme throughout both MAAN and Shakespeare's other works. Having toothache could show Benedick's oppression regarding his love for Beatrice; by hiding his love, it manifests itself in different ways. Toothache may have also been seen as symptom of love, heartache etc in the time period of which MAAN was written. Either way, Benedick saying he has toothache is a sign of his submission to love. Benedick's clothing, changing from that common of someone of his position, to dressing like "a German from the waist downwards, all slops, and a spaniard from the hip upward, no doublet" is another sign for his love. In the Anatomy of Melancholy (Robert Burton, 1616) Burton comments that Southern men are more hot [..] and they can hardly contain themselves in those hotter climates." Benedick's attire, reflecting that of a foreigner, could show his desire for Beatrice, in both the physical, and the emotional."
How does Don John's choice of language make the impact of his revelation about Hero all the more devestating to Claudio?
Don John's chouce of language in revealing Hero's "disloyalty" is particularly powerful as he presents Hero as being promiscuous with not only Boracchio, but other men. "Everyman's Hero." By presenting Hero in this way, Don John implies that Claudio is nothing special to Hero; he is simply another man on her list. Don John being the person to create such an impact on Claudio holds increased importance, as Don John struggles to communicate with fluidity unlike the other characters in the play. "I am not of many words." Furthermore, Don John constructs the revelation to secure their trust in him. He enters the scene, seemingly apologetic, "My Lord and brother, God save you!", "You may think I love you not." allowing him to remain convincing in his deception of Claudio.
Benedick's appearence
As Benedick enters stage during this scene, he has shaved his beard. The lack of beard links back to Beatrice's wan for a man between youth and maturity,"he that hath a beard is more than a youth and he that hath no beards is less than a man." A young adult, shaven, was the centre of many Elizabethan desires. Benedick's change in appearence was also noticed by Claudio, "No, but the barber's man hath been seen with him, and the old ornament of his cheek hath already stuffed tennis-balls.", the old ornament of his face being his beard. Benedick's marked change in regards to his appearence is evidently down to his re-found love for Beatrice. Furthermore, the other men have noticed a change in his disposition as well, "Me thinks you are sadder" "I hope he be in love." Benedick places the blame for his new image and personality on "the toothache." The toothace is a recurring theme throughout both MAAN and Shakespeare's other works. Having toothache could show Benedick's oppression regarding his love for Beatrice; by hiding his love, it manifests itself in different ways. Toothache may have also been seen as symptom of love, heartache etc in the time period of which MAAN was written. Either way, Benedick saying he has toothache is a sign of his submission to love. Benedick's clothing, changing from that common of someone of his position, to dressing like "a German from the waist downwards, all slops, and a spaniard from the hip upward, no doublet" is another sign for his love. In the Anatomy of Melancholy (Robert Burton, 1616) Burton comments that Southern men are more hot [..] and they can hardly contain themselves in those hotter climates." Benedick's attire, reflecting that of a foreigner, could show his desire for Beatrice, in both the physical, and the emotional."
How does Don John's choice of language make the impact of his revelation about Hero all the more devestating to Claudio?
Don John's chouce of language in revealing Hero's "disloyalty" is particularly powerful as he presents Hero as being promiscuous with not only Boracchio, but other men. "Everyman's Hero." By presenting Hero in this way, Don John implies that Claudio is nothing special to Hero; he is simply another man on her list. Don John being the person to create such an impact on Claudio holds increased importance, as Don John struggles to communicate with fluidity unlike the other characters in the play. "I am not of many words." Furthermore, Don John constructs the revelation to secure their trust in him. He enters the scene, seemingly apologetic, "My Lord and brother, God save you!", "You may think I love you not." allowing him to remain convincing in his deception of Claudio.
Act 2 Scene 3
Gulling = deceit or trickery
"MAAN is about the right deception that leads to marriage and the end of deceit and wrong deception that breeds conflict and distrust." Henze
Summary
Within this scene, Don Pedro, Claudio and Leonato begin the gulling of Benedick. "That your niece Beatrice was in love with Signor Benedick?" (92). The gulling of Benedick is an example of the "right deception" that Henze commented on. The three men decieve Bendick, and Benedick falls for it seemingly straight away. Any doubts on Benedick's part seem to be irradicated by Leonato's inclusion in the conversation, "I should think this is a gull, but that the white-beared fellow speaks it." Double entendres make an appearence in this scene, "she found 'Benedick' and 'Beatrice' between ths sheet?'. This line could be taken as Benedick and Beatrice were written down on pieces of paper because of Beatrice's love letters, or the line could be read as 'betwen the sheets' meaning sex. The three men continue the gulling by talking well of Beatrice, "She's an excellent sweet lady." Once the other characters have exited the stage, Benedick presents his monologue. His complete change in attitude shows that the gulling has worked, "This can be no trick", and his opinion of Beatrice has completely changed, "They say the lady is fair- 'tis a truth." He also begins to make excuses as to why he said he'd never settled down, ie "When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I were married." After his monologue, Beatrice enters the stage, to "bid you come in to dinner." Beatrice appears to be just as verbally vicious as is norm throughout the play, "Against my will, I am sent.." Benedick interprets what Beatrice has said as evidence for her supposed love for him, "Ha! 'Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner' - there's a double meaning in that."
Questions
What are eight "graces" which Benedick believes a hypothetical woman must have before he would consider marrying her? What one quality is he flexible upon?
8 graces = Rich, wise, fair virtuous, mild, noble, good discourse (well spoken), excellent musician.
Benedick is flexible upon the her colour of any future woman "her hair shall be of what colour it please God".
What one element of the "gulling scene" seems to convince Benedick that it is no trick? Wha effect does the news of Beatrice's possible suicide have on Benedick?
Any doubts on Benedick's part seem to be irradicated by Leonato's inclusion in the conversation, "I should think this is a gull, but that the white-beared fellow speaks it."
The news of Beatrice's possible suicide makes him react with the possibility of marriage, "They say too that she will rather die than give any sign of affection. I did never think to marry."
What is Beatrice's meaning in the message she delivers to Benedick between lines 243 - 252? What does Benedick think she means?
Beatrice means that it has not caused her any trouble calling Benedick in for dinner, and if it had then she wouldn't have bothered (showing she has no affection towards him). Benedick takes her message as meaning that "Any pains that I take for you is as easyas thanks."
"MAAN is about the right deception that leads to marriage and the end of deceit and wrong deception that breeds conflict and distrust." Henze
Summary
Within this scene, Don Pedro, Claudio and Leonato begin the gulling of Benedick. "That your niece Beatrice was in love with Signor Benedick?" (92). The gulling of Benedick is an example of the "right deception" that Henze commented on. The three men decieve Bendick, and Benedick falls for it seemingly straight away. Any doubts on Benedick's part seem to be irradicated by Leonato's inclusion in the conversation, "I should think this is a gull, but that the white-beared fellow speaks it." Double entendres make an appearence in this scene, "she found 'Benedick' and 'Beatrice' between ths sheet?'. This line could be taken as Benedick and Beatrice were written down on pieces of paper because of Beatrice's love letters, or the line could be read as 'betwen the sheets' meaning sex. The three men continue the gulling by talking well of Beatrice, "She's an excellent sweet lady." Once the other characters have exited the stage, Benedick presents his monologue. His complete change in attitude shows that the gulling has worked, "This can be no trick", and his opinion of Beatrice has completely changed, "They say the lady is fair- 'tis a truth." He also begins to make excuses as to why he said he'd never settled down, ie "When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I were married." After his monologue, Beatrice enters the stage, to "bid you come in to dinner." Beatrice appears to be just as verbally vicious as is norm throughout the play, "Against my will, I am sent.." Benedick interprets what Beatrice has said as evidence for her supposed love for him, "Ha! 'Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner' - there's a double meaning in that."
Questions
What are eight "graces" which Benedick believes a hypothetical woman must have before he would consider marrying her? What one quality is he flexible upon?
8 graces = Rich, wise, fair virtuous, mild, noble, good discourse (well spoken), excellent musician.
Benedick is flexible upon the her colour of any future woman "her hair shall be of what colour it please God".
What one element of the "gulling scene" seems to convince Benedick that it is no trick? Wha effect does the news of Beatrice's possible suicide have on Benedick?
Any doubts on Benedick's part seem to be irradicated by Leonato's inclusion in the conversation, "I should think this is a gull, but that the white-beared fellow speaks it."
The news of Beatrice's possible suicide makes him react with the possibility of marriage, "They say too that she will rather die than give any sign of affection. I did never think to marry."
What is Beatrice's meaning in the message she delivers to Benedick between lines 243 - 252? What does Benedick think she means?
Beatrice means that it has not caused her any trouble calling Benedick in for dinner, and if it had then she wouldn't have bothered (showing she has no affection towards him). Benedick takes her message as meaning that "Any pains that I take for you is as easyas thanks."
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Cake Design (Don John)
Ingredients
- White, icing sugar outer layer. (Presents self as innocent, pure. "My lord and brother, God save you!"
- Basic, plain sponge. (Not able to communicate clearly what lies beneath. "I am not of many words."
- Marmite filling (Unsavoury nature, not liked by all. "He is of a very melancholy disposition." )
I have chosen to represent Don John, in cake form, using a marmite filling. The distaste for Marmite by the majority of people (majority, not all) reflects Don John's inability to conform with society due to his bastardization, his illegitimacy. Furthermore, Marmite's infamy with being disgusting due to it's horrendous taste is reminiscent of how character's do not like Don John also because of his personality "How tartly that Gentleman looks!" "He is of a very melancholy disposition"
Don John's difficulty in communicating with fluidity "I am not of many words." "I am trusted with a muzzle." is presented through the basic sponge. The basic sponge has no flourishes, or 'flash' about it, similar to Don John's speech. Also, the basic sponge represents Don John's honesty with himself regarding his traits, "I am a plain-dealing villain", and his bastard blood "it better fits my blood to be disdained of all." However, whilst Don John is honest with himself, he tries to deceive others within the play ie the shaming of Hero, "Leonato's Hero, your Hero, every man's Hero". This innocent pretense is reflected in the icing sugar layer. The white, purity of the sugar deceives any possible cake-eater into believing the cake is "innocent", and helps to hide the unsavoury nature within (the marmite). The icing sugar should not completely cover the top of the cake, showing the sponge beneath, as Don John is still slightly doubted throughout the play, "You may think I love you not."
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