3. Betrayal is a theme introduced at the very beginning of this play. How does this constant stream of betrayal affect the outcome of the plot, and which characters are most affected by it?
Betrayal plays a very vital and important role in the book,"Much Ado About Nothing". Betrayal is defined as treachery or disloyalty which is delivered to someone of close relation. In this essay you will see how betrayal is displayed in the book as well as its affects on the characters and outcome of the plot.
In the book Don John betrays his brother because of the jealousy and hatred he feels for Don Pedro. Don John envies his brother, Don Pedro for many reasons, one of them being his position. Don Pedro is the prince of Arragon. As the bastard brother, Don John doesn't feel as if he ever got a fair chance of obtaining a title of such respect and prestige. Not only is he jealous of his brother but he also feels rejected by Don Pedro. This too causes him to feel the need to bring shame on Don Pedro. Perhaps it is also Don John's way of redeeming himself. As Don Pedro's bastard brother he mostlikely is made to feel like an outsider, an outcast or someone of no relevence or importance. Therefore Don John's evil plan to dishonour Don Pedro may be his way of restoring honour back to himself. In conclusion Don John's plan of betrayal was one fueled by a deep sense of rejection as well as a desparate need for Don John to be in his brother's place.
Don John's plan of betrayal has an undeniable affect on nearly all of the cast of "Much Ado About Nothing". His evil plan particularly affects Hero and Claudio in quite a significant way. In addition, Leonato, Don Pedro, Beatrice, Antonio and even Bennedick are affected as a result of Don John's actions. Infact, almost the entire play is based on Don John's plan to humiliate Don Pedro. However Don John plans to do this by using Claudio,Don John's right hand man, making Claudio Don John's direct and actual victim. With the help of Borrachio, Don John devises a plan to trick Claudio and Don Pedro into thinking that Hero has been unfaithful to Claudio. Magaret is also involved with this plan. Magaret, Hero's gentlewoman is in Hero's room, dressed in her clothes and having passionate sex with Borrachio who cunningly yells out Hero's name while he and Magaret are being intimate. Meanwhile Don John lures Claudio in to witness the act. Ofcourse Claudio immediately beleives that Magaret is indeed Hero and he is furious. Claudio is therefore majorly affected by Don John's plan. He feels betryed,hurt, angry and devastated at the thought that Hero has cheated on him. Don Pedro is also filled with immense anger, not only towards Hero but towards Leonato as well. At the beginning of the play we see that they are both quite very fond of each other. However Don John's plan has now not only damanged but has destroyed their great freindship forever. This is how Don Pedro is even more negatively affected by the plan.
Hero's cousin, Beatrice is also overwelmed and left devastated by the situation. She loves and cares for her cousin deeply. Therefore the fact that Hero had been so dishonoured plays negatively on her emotions. Beatrice is so upset that she forces Bennedick to avenge her sister's downfall. The love Bennedick feels for Beatrice automatically causes him to feel a deep sense of pity for her cousin, Hero. When asked by Beatrice if he will fight for Hero's honour he is reluctant but on seeing how deeply this had hurt his love, Beatrice he is willing to do anything to put her mind at rest. Therefore Bennedick too, becomes involved in this unfortunate tragedy. Futhermore Leonato is extremely upset when Hero is accused of being unfaithful. Not only is Hero's reputation ruined but being her father, Leonato's reputation is somewhat tainted as well. In conclusion Don John majorly impacts each and every character within the play. He made it necessary for the existence of the police in the book as well as villans which were his faithful allies and partners in crime.
Ultimately Don John makes the ending of the play an even happier one when the major problems are resolved and everyone is content. Hero and Claudio are finally married at the end of the play and their wonderful day is all the more enjoyable, knowing all that they have been through. The villans receive punishment and everyone is estatic when Don John's doings finally catch up with him. In conclusion, betrayal is a very important aspect of the book, "Much Ado About Nothing". This is seen in how the characters are affected it as well as the the directiontaken by the play.
