Similarities Between Much Ado About Nothing And Hamlet

Murphy Linehan

Mrs. Winter

Shakespeare

04 January 2023

Conflicts and Relationships in Shakespeare

In what we have read this semester, Shakespeare gives the leading role a love interest. In Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, and Hamlet, the wars and conflicts heavily influence how the lead characters interact with their love interest.

In Henry V, the plot entirely focuses on the war. Henry, the main character, is wholly absorbed in winning the ongoing war with France, also known as the Hundred Year War. The primary conflict of the story is the Battle of Agincourt. The English miraculously win despite the odds and Henry gains confidence. The battles and fights take up most of the plot line and leave little time for anything less. Since it is a

During this scene, Henry asks her “Do you like me, Kate?” (V.ii.110). Katherine responds “I cannot tell wat is ‘like me’” (V.ii.111-112). Although Katherine can understand him to an extent, she cannot fully translate his words. This border keeps them from understanding each other’s true intentions and leads to a very superficial relationship. Not far later, King Henry asks to kiss her. She denies him because of french traditions. He disregards the french traditions and kisses her anyway. It could be assumed this is also because of the war and his lack of respect for the

The villain, Don John, latches onto the fickle nature of the other characters. With no other sorrowful issues to focus on, the plot is focused entirely on relationships which most likely is why Shakespeare’s comedies about love have little mention of war.

Hamlet is a play where Ophelia, the love interest is driven away by the actions of the main character; however, it is not the only conflict keeping them apart. Near the beginning of Hamlet, in the first act, it is inferred that Hamlet and Ophelia had something of a loving relationship before his father’s death. Unfortunately, King Hamlet dies before the beginning of the book so the play has nothing actively speaking of their previous relationship except for brief references.

King Hamlet’s death is what drives the conflict. It sends Hamlet spiraling into depression and rage. After hearing that Claudius killed his father, Hamlet is practically unable to focus on anything but his revenge. First, he makes clear plans and puts them into action, but later in the play, he rushes into plans and acts impulsively. Both of these events greatly affected Ophelia and Hamlet did not notice or care. His original plan, faking madness, causes great concern for those around him. Ophelia gets dragged into his plan as a pawn and he blames her for