Much Ado About Nothing Hero's Relationship

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Only the truest love can survive the trials of the gruesome world. In William Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing, two sets of lovers attempt to brave the sea of love. Claudio and Hero’s affection quivers through their various trials. Although the play is a comedy, it also consists of solemn moments. For instance, the couple’s love is put to the test when Claudio convicts Hero of being unchaste. Claudio’s change in heart about Hero and their marriage reveals how his intentions towards her are not sincere.
Through his address to her, Claudio denounces Hero for her supposed infidelity, although their love has flourished a few days earlier. At their wedding, Claudio’s self-focused attitude does not hesitate to expose innocent Hero. In the passage, Claudio says he has …show more content…

This comparison suggests that Claudio perceived Hero as innocent and chaste. Hero is “more intemperate in your blood/ Than Venus,” Claudio concludes. The metaphor compares Hero to the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, Venus (4.1.60-61). Venus is also known for her infidelity. His view of Hero’s character changes from pure to dishonorable. Rage overcomes Claudio, compelling him to publicly shame Hero for actions only suggested to be committed by her. The allusion references Diana and Venus. This helps make Claudio’s argument more effective and hurtful. Then, Claudio depicts how he has previously viewed Hero “[a]s chaste as is the bud ere it be blown” (4.1.59). This compares Hero to an innocent “bud.” The “bud” represents her pureness for it has not yet bloomed a flower into worldly pleasures. Next, Hero is compared to “those pampered animals/ That rage in savage sensuality,” (4.1.61-62). This metaphor suggests that Hero is out of control. Although Claudio thinks Hero has been unfaithful to him, he is quick to humiliate her in front of the whole kingdom of Messina. His comment “Out on thee, seeming!” is the most humiliating line in