Theme of Deception in Much Ado About Nothing Essay example

Theme of Deception in Much Ado About Nothing Each of the main characters in Much Ado About Nothing is the victim of deception, and it is because they are deceived that they act in the ways that they do. Although the central deception is directed against Claudio in an attempt to destroy his relationship with Hero, it is the deceptions involving Beatrice and Benedick which provides the plays dramatic focus. Nearly every character in the play at some point has to make inferences from what he or she sees, has been told or overhears. Likewise, nearly every character in the play at some point plays a part of consciously pretending to be what they are not. The idea of acting and the illusion it creates is rarely far from the surface -†¦show more content†¦The first introduction of the motif of overhearing is more important than it might seem at first sight. Eavesdropping is almost a full-time occupation in Messina: virtually everybody does it. Don Pedro and Claudio eavesdrop on the conversation between the supposed Hero and Borachio and draw the inferences that Don Johns lie prejudiced them to draw. Benedick and Beatrice think they are eavesdropping on their friends conversation, not realising that it is being held deliberately to deceive them. Beatrice is trapped into listening to Ursula and Hero by Heros making Margaret pretend she has overheard a conversation about her (III.1.6). The importance of the introduction of the idea of eavesdropping and mishearing in I.2 is stressed by the scenes that immediately follow. In I.3 the theme of deceit is again signalled. Don John reveals his true nature as an unscrupulous schemer, and his malevolence towards his brother - hidden under an apparent reconciliation, which all but his cronies have to accept at face value. Antonios man was not the only one to overhear Don Pedro and Claudio: Borachio reports correctly what Don Pedros plan is. Don Johns love of vindictive mischief breaks out in the twisting of the gt;truelt;-gt; report to the gt;falselt;-gt; one that Antonio gave Leonato. After the maskedShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Themes of Noting and Deception in Much Ado About Nothing1251 Words   |  6 PagesThe Themes of Noting and Deception in Much Ado About Nothing Discuss the themes of noting and deception in Much Ado About Nothing The play Much Ado About Nothing was written by Williams Shakespeare in the late 1600s and over four centuries later it is still a significantly popular play and has widespread appeal. The play explores many themes including love, treachery, friendship, society and traditions. These five themes mentioned are still very muchRead MoreDeciet and Trickery in Shakespeare ´s Much Ado About Nothing Essay730 Words   |  3 Pagesplay a huge part in the play Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. Deception is a key theme in the play, it also moves the plot along. 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