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Gender Roles In William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

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Gender roles are standards society has created for men and women to follow however their social standing is a factor in this. In William Shakespeare 's, Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice, a quick witted lady, is tricked into dating Benedick, a witty soldier who has returned to Messina Italy. Claudio, a soldier back from war, falls in love with Hero, Beatrice 's cousin. Beatrice is single and can be seen as intimidating. Beatrice 's friends and family trick her and Benedick into falling in love with each other because their witty banter makes them perfect for each other. At the same time Hero falls in love with Claudio and is supposed to marry him when Don Jon, brother of the Prince, and his friends make it seem like Hero has cheated. Hero fakes …show more content…
Beatrice use her knowledge to reply in a sarcastic way because she appreciates her humor and has no problem with the fact that she says what is on her mind even if others do not want to hear her opinion. Beatrice is defending herself for her loud personality instead of apologizing for it because she feels free to express her emotions. The Prince, Don Pedro Prince of Aragon, has just asked Beatrice to marry him and she says, "No, my lord, unless I might have another for working days. Your Grace is too costly to wear every day. But I beseech your Grace pardon me. I was born to speak all mirth and no matter" (2.1.320—323). Beatrice rejects the Prince 's proposal without asking anyone 's permission because unlike Hero, Beatrice does not feel the need to please anyone. Beatrice feels free to express herself so even though the Prince has a higher social standing than her she still rejects him in a respectful manner. Beatrice is true to herself and does not do what others would approve of but rather follows her heart and sense of direction and that is why unlike other women Beatrice is willing to say no to the Prince. Benedick has just told Beatrice he would do anything for her and she asked him to kill his best friend Claudio and when he refuses she …show more content…
Beatrice is passionate about what she believes in and her knowledge allows her to have a sense of humor. Hero constantly worries about her image and tries to please her loved ones by doing what she is ordered to do. Beatrice does not focus on the rules society has made for women but Hero sees them and does her best to abide by every standard a woman has been given by those around her. Beatrice is able to live the life she wants and be happy because she creates her own destiny by making her own choices, Hero can only express the emotion of happiness and she lives her life as others want her to leaving her fate

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