The Importance Of Heroic Relationships In Much Ado About Nothing

Mucho Ado About Nothing presents two dynamic relationships; one between Hero and Claudio and one between Beatrice and Benedick. It is important to note that these couples are from a time where chastity, obedience, and submission are among some of the most prized virtues in women. If a woman did not have those virtues, she would not be sought after by men, and in some cases would be scorned and ridiculed (as seen with Kate in The Taming of the Shrew). Much Ado About Nothing highlights chastity, obedience, and submission in Hero and Beatrice and what happens when they ‘violate’ those virtues. Without a doubt, the better husband turns out to be the one that can overlook that ‘breach’ in virtues.
Undoubtedly, as portrayed in the book and in the film, Hero and Claudio seem to be in love. As soon as Claudio first lays eyes on Hero, he wants her to be his wife and continues to ask Benedick if she is good and …show more content…
First off, Hero does not choose to be with Claudio. She is basically forced into a marriage with a guy that she barely even knows. Even though that was the standard of the time, it is scorned by a contemporary audience. Beatrice freely chooses Benedick and is not pushed into marriage by any male figure. Also, unlike Hero and Claudio, Beatrice and Benedick have known each other in the past. What this means is that they both know what they are getting into with marriage, where Hero and Claudio have no idea because they barely know each other. Furthermore, Claudio is so quick to publically shame Hero and even is portrayed as being physically abusive to her in the film. What is going to stop him from doing the same if she over steps her boundaries in marriage? Lastly, Benedick accepts Beatrice for who she is. He knows that she is outspoken and opinionated but still takers her hand in marriage despite that. That shows a lot about their relationship and the love they have for each