The sacrifice of the precious in order to satisfy the expectations of the self and of society often leads to pain and destruction. This is true in the Shakespeare play Much Ado About Nothing, when Claudio forfeits his marriage to Hero and sacrifices a life of happiness with her because he suspects her of infidelity. His willingness to abandon her reveals in him pride and a deep value for female chastity. Claudio’s pride in his power and control, as well as his rigid conformity to societal gender norms, provides insight into the way Shakespeare uses this play as a commentary on personal convictions and cultural expectations.
In this play, the warrior Claudio falls in love with the damsel Hero, and wins her hand in marriage. Hero fits the …show more content…
When Hero was still regarded as a pure maiden, Claudio worshipped her. She was a precious item, and marriage to her would elevate him higher in society and make him a source of envy among his peers. After Hero was accused of breaking her vows, she ceased to be of any value to him whatsoever. She became disposable to the point where Claudio felt no remorse in throwing her away at their wedding ceremony. This means that in this culture, women were only of value when they conformed to standard sexual behavior- only within the confines of marriage. Because of this, women’s relation to other people and their place in society was defined by their sexual behavior. Maidens like Hero and Beatrice were held in high regard, whereas women who engaged in promiscuous behavior were ostracized from the community. Prostitutes and “whores” were used when they were wanted and then discarded; they were not welcome in public or private spaces. Even Hero’s own father, upon hearing Claudio’s indictment, wishes Hero were dead when he states, “O Fate! Take not away thy heavy hand! Death is the fairest cover for her shame That may be wished for.” He understands the depth of her destruction and considers death to be preferable to a life of separation and vilification by
In this play, the warrior Claudio falls in love with the damsel Hero, and wins her hand in marriage. Hero fits the …show more content…
When Hero was still regarded as a pure maiden, Claudio worshipped her. She was a precious item, and marriage to her would elevate him higher in society and make him a source of envy among his peers. After Hero was accused of breaking her vows, she ceased to be of any value to him whatsoever. She became disposable to the point where Claudio felt no remorse in throwing her away at their wedding ceremony. This means that in this culture, women were only of value when they conformed to standard sexual behavior- only within the confines of marriage. Because of this, women’s relation to other people and their place in society was defined by their sexual behavior. Maidens like Hero and Beatrice were held in high regard, whereas women who engaged in promiscuous behavior were ostracized from the community. Prostitutes and “whores” were used when they were wanted and then discarded; they were not welcome in public or private spaces. Even Hero’s own father, upon hearing Claudio’s indictment, wishes Hero were dead when he states, “O Fate! Take not away thy heavy hand! Death is the fairest cover for her shame That may be wished for.” He understands the depth of her destruction and considers death to be preferable to a life of separation and vilification by