Study Questions

Claudio chooses to shame Hero infront of the wedding service as public humiliation in an act to preserve his honour, rather he feels the only way to redeem his reputation is to shame Hero in front of everyone, perhaps he assumes they all know, and in a way to boost his image- almost shows of his power to the public.

Leonato is devastated,  for Hero is his "only daughter" and her being named a whore has caused a bad name on his whole family, his only heir is now a disgrace. He sentences her, or wishes her, death after she collapses, in an act of rage.

Benedick has chosen Beatrice's side over the matter, over his brothers (which is disgraceful) as he is quite obviously besotted by her, wishes to please her, and obviously by taking her side he will achieve this.

Leonato and Friars facial expression? - ?

Benedick is the first to name Don John as the schemer, as he knows him best out of the remaining company.

The Friar explains that on Hero's fake death, her accusations will fall and she will appear innocent again, Claudio upon hearing her death will begin loving her again with every "organ" and "wish he didnt accuse[d] her" If this does not work however she will be sent to live a isolated religious life, most likely to live in a monastery and assumed dead.

Beatrice's and Benedick's dialogue contains many short sentences, this may be because of their infatuation they cannot deny speaking to each other (probably now), they are nervous in their admittance of love for each other. The language contrasts the anger of the previous scene and exaggerates the empathic language the pair use. The (-) punctuation is stage direction for Benedick to kiss Beatrice.

Benedick admits his love first, he is trying to offer his comfort and support for her. However he finds out he will only receive her love if he were to "kill claudio" Beatrice illustrates her anger to show Heros innocence. "slandered".

By Benedick accepting Beatrices demands it shows the character developing in maturity- truly ridding himself of his previous "die a bachelor all women love me" attitude, he is accepting her love and wishes to be with her.