Deciet and Trickery in Shakespeare´s Much Ado About...

Deceit and trickery play 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. Trickery and deception is used in the love stories of couples Hero and Claudio, and Benedick and Beatrice, with opposite results. This play demonstrates two different kinds of deceit: the kind whose only purpose is to cause trouble, and the kind that is used to form a good outcome. In the relationship of Hero and Claudio, deception nearly succeeds in breaking them apart forever, while in the case of Benedick and Beatrice, it brings them closer together. The first use of trickery in Hero and Claudios relationship is when Claudios friend, Don Pedro, pretends to be†¦show more content†¦All throughout the beginning of the play, both Beatrice and Benedick use sarcasm and hide their true feelings for each other, which is the first example of tricky in their relationship. Both of them have vowed never to marry anyone; Benedick stating: Because I will not do them the wrong to mistrust any, I will do myself the right to trust none; and the fine is, for the which I may go the finer, I will live a bachelor. (1.1.232–35), while Beatrice says, No, uncle, Ill none. Adams sons are my brethren, and truly I hold it a sin to match in my kindred. (2.1.59–60.) Their friends see that they are the perfect match for one another, and plan to trick them into confessing their love for each other. When Benedick is in the orchard, he overhears Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato talking about how Beatrice is in love with him but is afraid he will mock her if she tells him. Benedick believes them, saying, This can be no trick. (2.3.217.) He then goes on to say, I will be horribly in love with her. (2.3.230–31.) Later, Beatrice hears Hero and Ursula talking about how they cant tell her that Benedick loves her because she is a scornful person. After Hero and Ursula leave, Beatrice states: And Benedick, love on; I will requite thee, Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand. If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee To bind our loves up in a holy band. (3.2.111–14) Even though Benedick and Beatrice have said