Much Ado About Nothing Dysfunctional Quotes

Eric Hurt

March 30, 2023

Much Ado About Nothing

Lawson W2

In the first half of the book, it is established that Claudio and Hero’s relationship is dysfunctional because of greed and monetary gain. Claudio makes Don Pedro suspicious of his motives, when he asks, “ Hath Leonato any son, my lord?” and Don Pedro replies, “No child but Hero; she’s his only heir” (1.1. 285-290). This sets up their relationship to be dysfunctional because it is heavily implied that Claudio wants to be with Hero because there is a monetary gain for him. Furthermore, Claudio and Hero do not have the freedom to marry without a deal being struck, due to their relationship being built around a transaction. This is shown when Leonato says “Count, take of me my daughter,

347-348) This interaction even further proves Claudio and Hero’s relationship dysfunctional because Claudio is wanting to get married immediately, so that

He publicly shames her by saying ?”Would you not swear, All you that see her, that she were a maid, By these exterior shows? But she is none. She knows the heat of a luxurious bed. Her blush is guiltiness, not modesty” (4.1 35-40) This is very significant because it shows that their trust for eachother is already low, due to the fact that outside forces can easily affect their relationship. Claudio didn’t feel any guilt for the way that he shamed her in front of everyone, Also, the way that Claudio had so much to say about her makes it look like he was already building up distrust against her. Lastly, Despite the argument that they just had, Claudio leaves not only without either of the two getting closure on the situation, he also says (4.1 104-109) But fare thee well, most foul, most fair! Farewell, Thou pure impiety and impious purity. For thee I’ll lock up all the gates of love, And on my eyelids shall conjecture hang, To turn all beauty into thoughts of harm, And never shall it more be gracious.” This quote is important because it shows that now that Claudio has publicly shamed Hero, there’s nothing else that he needs from her. This final piece of evidence proves that Claudio and Hero’s relationship is