Much Ado About Nothing Deception

In Much Ado about Nothing, Shakespeare illustrates deception. In this play, deception is demonstrated in two ways: in its malevolence, which is motivated by wicked ideas and intentions; and in its generosity, which is used for the greater good. The engagement, response, and reaction of the characters to deception and manipulation move the story. Deception serves as the basis for events and conflicts during play. In Much Ado about Nothing, deception is used to achieve a certain goal, regardless of whether deception is harmless or possibly destructive. A time in the play when deception is demonstrated is when Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato trick Benedick into eavesdropping on their conversation and into believing Beatrice is in love with him;

Benedick goes from describing the perfection he desires in a woman to automatically fall in love with Beatrice He acknowledges that he is going against his reputation and that others may mock him if they find out, but he understands that he has the right to change his opinion. After Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato trick Benedick into thinking that Beatrice is in love with him, Hero and Ursula managed to mislead Beatrice into realizing her feelings for Benedick. Claudio, Don Pedro, and Leonato were working with Hero and Ursula to deceive them to fulfill their goal, which was to see those two marry. Like Benedick, falls for the trap and engages in eavesdropping. In Beatrice's soliloquy, she says, “What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true? Stand I condemned for pride and scorn so much? No glory lives behind the back of such. And, Benedick, love on; I will requite thee” (Ado 3.1.106-111). Beatrice seemed astonished to hear Benedick is in love with her because she has a reputation for being stubborn, disdainful, and unapproachable. She entirely changes her mind about marriage and Benedick, just like Benedick changed his as well. She is now excited about the thought of marrying

He deceives Claudio and Don Pedro into believing Hero is cheating. In this case, Don John does this because of his envy of his brother's social authority. Don John creates a plan to disrupt Claudio and Hero's wedding by having one of his men, Borachio, meet with one of two gentlewomen to Hero, Margaret, on the balcony and pretend that she is Hero, so it will seem like Hero is having an affair with another man. Don John tells Claudio, "Go but with me tonight, you shall see her chamber window ent’red, even the night before her wedding day. If you love her then, tomorrow wed her. But it would better fit your honor to change your mind” (Ado 3.2.108-112). Don John's plan works, causing Claudio to humiliate Hero on their wedding day. Claudio humiliating Hero brought disgrace on her and her family. Don John's goal was to mislead Claudio and do something terrible which is what