Much Ado About Nothing Deception Analysis

Of the three themes of Much Ado About Nothing, deception is the most prominent and noticeable theme. Deception plays out in the story in both a positive and negative manner. I believe that deception is more noticeable than love because almost every character in the story is involved in some sort of deception, whether it’s positive or negative. One of the first deceptions in the story takes place in the garden. Margret tells Beatrice that she hears Ursula and Hero talking about her, when in reality they are actually talking about Benedick’s love for Beatrice. “We’ll make our arrows the same way Cupid does: with gossip and rumor” (Shakespeare). This is a form of deception because Beatrice won't believe that Benedick loves her if Hero tells her. So, Hero wants to deceive Beatrice into overhearing Ursula and her talking about Benedick's love for Beatrice. “But are you sure that Benedick loves Beatrice so entirely?” (Shakespeare). This is obviously a positive form of deception, because she Hero’s intent is to bring Benedick and Beatrice together.

Don Pedro disguises himself as Claudio, and woes Hero for Claudio. This is due to Claudio's immaturity with women. This is obviously positive deceit because again, the intention is to bring Hero and Claudio together. “Lady, will you walk a bout with your friend?” (Shakespeare). This quote shows Don Pedro wanting to dance with Hero to woo her for Claudio. Lastly, the biggest deceit of the story is led by Don John. Don John, Borachio and Conrade plan to spread rumors of Hero being disloyal to Claudio. Don John, and his two men go out of their way to make Hero seem false to Claudio and Don Pedro. This is obviously a negative deception, because Don John is trying to spoil Claudio and Hero's