Comparing Heroes And Heroes In Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing was written by William Shakespeare in the late 1500’s, and it is a play that contains many quality themes. It revolves around the combination of comedy, hilariousness, and comic relief with more serious themes such as shame, honor, and deceit. Throughout the play, many sharp contrasts are made between certain people. Particularly, Beatrice and Hero, Benedick and Claudio, and Don John and Don Pedro are contrasted. Beatrice and Hero are the two significant female figures in the play. However, they are very extreme opposites. Their one notable similarity is that both of them are witty to some degree. An example of Hero’s wit could be seen from a line such as, “So you walk softly and look sweetly, and say nothing, I am yours for the walk; and especially when I walk away”(2.1.74-75). She is saying this is reference to dancing, after being asked by a stranger to dance. However, Beatrice’s wit far outshines her cousin’s. In 1.1.43-45 she uses her sarcasm and wit against Benedick as usual: “how many hath he (Benedick) killed and eaten in these wars? But how many hath he killed? for indeed I promis 'd to eat all of his killing.” Using these shrewd words, she is implying that he isn’t even man enough to kill someone. She would eat all his killings, which would be none, of course. Contrasted, however, Beatrice and Hero have completely opposite personalities. Hero is quiet, reserved, and modest, while Beatrice is feisty, quick-tongued, and rebellious. Thus, Hero …show more content…
These contrasts use themes of shame, pride, and deceit to compare and contrast the characters thoroughly. Shakespeare does a great job portraying these characters, but they are, however, without God. The Bible says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” In the end, even the good characters are hopeless without