The term “honour” is defined as “high respect, esteem or reverence, accorded to exalted worth or rank” (Green lecture). The concept of honour plays a very important role in the William Shakespeare’s play, Much Ado About Nothing. As the play progresses, one begins to discover that the concept of honour and how one goes about defending one’s honour differs substantially between genders and thus, honour is “gendered” (Green lecture). Therefore, through analysis of the play, this essay will discuss the different roles of men and women in relation to the establishment and defence of honour in Much Ado About Nothing.
Messina, Italy, the setting of the play, is a patriarchal society, where the male characters, Don Pedro, Leonato, Benedick and Claudio, hold important and regal positions …show more content…
As the play progresses, one begins to discover that the concept of honour and how one goes about defending one’s honour differs substantially between genders and thus, honour is “gendered” (Green lecture) Within the patriarchal society that exists within the play, an honourable man is one that is courageous, valiant and loyal and defends his honour by partaking in duels and holding important offices within society. The character of Benedick was used as an example to explain the idea of the honourable man within the plot of the play. An honourable woman is virtuous, modest and in control of her sexuality. As woman are seen as physically weaker and of second-class status, their honour is often slandered, as is the case when Claudio slanders Hero’s name during the wedding and in an attempt to defend Hero’s honour, Beatrice seeks the help of Benedick due to her inability as a woman to challenge Claudio herself. In conclusion, one can say that men and woman play extremely different and conflicting roles in relation to the establishment and defence of honour in Much Ado About
Messina, Italy, the setting of the play, is a patriarchal society, where the male characters, Don Pedro, Leonato, Benedick and Claudio, hold important and regal positions …show more content…
As the play progresses, one begins to discover that the concept of honour and how one goes about defending one’s honour differs substantially between genders and thus, honour is “gendered” (Green lecture) Within the patriarchal society that exists within the play, an honourable man is one that is courageous, valiant and loyal and defends his honour by partaking in duels and holding important offices within society. The character of Benedick was used as an example to explain the idea of the honourable man within the plot of the play. An honourable woman is virtuous, modest and in control of her sexuality. As woman are seen as physically weaker and of second-class status, their honour is often slandered, as is the case when Claudio slanders Hero’s name during the wedding and in an attempt to defend Hero’s honour, Beatrice seeks the help of Benedick due to her inability as a woman to challenge Claudio herself. In conclusion, one can say that men and woman play extremely different and conflicting roles in relation to the establishment and defence of honour in Much Ado About