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Honesty In Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

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Within the play, Much Ado About Nothing, there is a central theme of deceitfulness, as a way to solve a problem or an issue amongst the characters. Though this deception may be evil, it can often lead to positive endings after several conflicts. In the creation of this theme, Shakespeare uses both negative and positive examples to contribute to his lesson on ruses. Within this particular scene, all of the cons the various characters have put on are officially revealed to each other. This scene highlights that deception is not always evil, nor is it always moral, but is always solved. Shakespeare’s use of honesty within this particular scene highlights how deception can be used as a justifiable means to an end, if it is eventually revealed. …show more content…

This juxtaposes Claudio and Hero’s relationship is based on purely on physical looks, which are not always truthful. In an opposing manner, Benedick and Beatrice’s relationship was not started from a completely dishonest place. Over years they had built a relationship through passive aggressive remarks rather than physicality, thus ensuring that they would know each other at their core. Therefore in order to move the relationship along it only took light coaxing of the small truths to progress their love. For instance, in Act One Beatrice and Benedick’s “merry war” of arguments is viewed as a type of flirting instead of actual anger or annoyance towards each other (1.1.50-54). Even though this “war” happens amongst them, it is obvious that they care for one another or else they would not continue the fight; realistically, they would have ceased communication years before. Their relationship, through the war of wits was only seen as deceptive to themselves. Beatrice and Benedick constantly lie to themselves about their feelings towards the other, while their true emotions are apparent to anyone from the outside looking in. It is obvious from the beginning of the play, that the truth of their emotions would be revealed purposely or unintentionally by themselves or those around them. Their ironic nature towards each other, though seen as somewhat deceitful is more honest than their counterparts of Hero and Claudio who solely act upon opinions and rumors of

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