Act3 Sc2

Transformation.

According to Claudio and Pedro, explain how Benedick has changed? how has he reacted?

Don pedro explains that "for what his hearth thinks, his tongue speaks" showing that the self proposed bachelor cannot now control what he speaks, in fact he says exactly what comes from his heart- he cannot hide his emotions and has become what he resented in claudio- the cliche love filled institutionalised character. Upon this Benedick denies the accusation and insists he is suffering "toothache" incidentally toothache itself is often linked to romance itself- heartache etc.

Don Pedro notices he "dresses like a foreigner" with "a german from the waist downward, all slops, and a spaniard from the hips upwards'. Benedicks change has obviously been quick (like his fall into love with Beatrice) and such haste has left him with mixed appearances, suggesting he is confused in himself. In an attempt to impress he has mistakenly dressed himself as an idiot.

"he looks younger than he did by the loss of a beard" Benedick has shaven himself to suit the ideas of Beatrice early spoken in the play

"He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man; and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him."

it is also notable to see how Shakespeare has gone from the masked ball to the removal of Benedicks beard, as if his defences have been taken down to see his true self. the love of Beatrice has stripped him of his self indulgent ideals.

How does Don Johns language make the impact of his revelation to claudio all the more devastating?

Don pedro deliberately speaks in a submissive manner (power play) to place seeming control in claudio and pedros hands "my Lord and Brother, god save you" she even counters Claudios remark with " your Hero, everybodys Hero " implying that she has slept with a number of men. He tries to guilt the young man when exclaiming "but it would fit your honour to change your mind" tricking him into re evaluating the situation, thus to doubt Hero's innocence.

Why does Claudio announce he will shame Hero at the wedding?

Claudios drastic decision making seems to be a fault of his institutionalised way of thinking, his romanticism leavs him distinctly black and white in his emotions. He chooses to shame Hero at the wedding to assert his authority and confirm he is not a fool or has been fooled by her promiscuous activity. He needs to keep his reputation.