In William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, Machiavellianism plays a major role in the conflicts of this story. Machiavellianism is being characterized by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty. There are many characters in the story that show some type of Machiavellianism throughout the play. Don John, the cunning, ruthless, and illegitimate brother of Don Pedro, shows his Machiavellian traits all throughout the play, making Borachio look like a poor, innocent puppy.
Don John, the brother of Don Pedro, is very cunning and sly in his actions to ruin Hero and Claudio’s marriage. He shows that nothing will stand in his way when it comes to taking on vengeance. Shakespeare introduces the true Machiavellianism in Don John by writing, “That young start-up hath all the / glory of my overthrow.” He is talking about Claudio overtaking him and causing him to lose against his brother in battle, so he wants revenge. Borachio tells him of Don Pedro’s plan for Claudio. On page 23, Don …show more content…
On page 49 and 50, Don John tells Claudio and Don Pedro about Hero not being loyal. He says, “If you follow me I will show you / enough, and when you have seen more and heard / more, proceed accordingly.” Don Pedro and Claudio go with him at midnight to Hero’s window and hear Borachio and Margaret talking. Don John convinces his brother and Claudio that that is Hero with someone else. After Claudio shames Hero, Don John flees, Borachio is caught, and then confesses to Antonio and Leonato on page 89. “I have / deceived even your very eyes… you were brought into / the orchard and saw me court Margaret in Hero’s / garment’s… My villainy they have upon record…” While Don John fled, Borachio confides, showing weakness and asking for
Don John, the brother of Don Pedro, is very cunning and sly in his actions to ruin Hero and Claudio’s marriage. He shows that nothing will stand in his way when it comes to taking on vengeance. Shakespeare introduces the true Machiavellianism in Don John by writing, “That young start-up hath all the / glory of my overthrow.” He is talking about Claudio overtaking him and causing him to lose against his brother in battle, so he wants revenge. Borachio tells him of Don Pedro’s plan for Claudio. On page 23, Don …show more content…
On page 49 and 50, Don John tells Claudio and Don Pedro about Hero not being loyal. He says, “If you follow me I will show you / enough, and when you have seen more and heard / more, proceed accordingly.” Don Pedro and Claudio go with him at midnight to Hero’s window and hear Borachio and Margaret talking. Don John convinces his brother and Claudio that that is Hero with someone else. After Claudio shames Hero, Don John flees, Borachio is caught, and then confesses to Antonio and Leonato on page 89. “I have / deceived even your very eyes… you were brought into / the orchard and saw me court Margaret in Hero’s / garment’s… My villainy they have upon record…” While Don John fled, Borachio confides, showing weakness and asking for