Dogberry, Verges, the First and Second Watchman- policemen discussing who is to keep Leonato's house safe for the night.
Conrade and Borachio are overheard talking about the crime Borachio has commited for Don John. The First and Second Watchmen arrest them.
The Wedding day of Hero and Claudio
Dogberry and his men come to meet Leonato. They talk about capturing a criminal but never say that it is Don John, Dogberry is stupid and mixes his words so never says what he is meant to say, this is comical. This could change the whole plot from this point on.
Claudio jilts Hero at the alter. He has a planned speech, that is written in verse. He says this to have the biggest impact he can and shame Hero in front of everyone. Why has he not thought to question whether Hero might be innocent or where she was last night? He trusts Don John. He uses language that is romantic and speaks from the heart.Hero does not say anything to defend herself and faints.Why does she not argue?
All the men have believed the visual that they saw. No-one has checked. Hero cannot say anything against the men, she has no power because she is a woman. Why has Claudio chosen to make a big statement instead of just asking her? What is their relationship really like- they have only met about a week ago, she is a possession for him, appearances are key and power play. Surely Claudio would not believe that Hero would sin? The men leave.
Leonato is ashamed and says that it is best if Hero is dead to restore her innocence again. Why does he not question Hero? She has brought shame on the family and herself. Friar sees sense- he believes Hero is innocent, the only man possibly who does. He comes up with the idea to pretend Hero is dead to redeem her reputation and make Claudio feel bad. Link between Romeo and Juliet- the friar comes up with the plan for them to pretend to be dead. Why the friar he is not suspected, he is respected and his idea agreed to. From tragedy comes love with Beatrice and Benedick as they announce their love for each other, Beatrice uses Benedick, that if he loves her he will kill Claudio. The comedy has gone.
Your questions are good. Does the play become a tragedy in this act?
ReplyDeleteYes I think the play does become a tragedy in this act. The idea of death, loss of respect from family and friends gives it a very negative feel. If this section was comedy it would make me possibly laugh, but at least not make me feel sad about it. It makes me annoyed at Hero for not speaking out even though she probably wouldn't get a say in the matter as she is a woman, and also at Claudio for not trusting Hero and not thinking first before shaming her. We know more than the characters in the play do. This is not a happy part of the play. However some comedies, for example stand up use bad moments and make them comical, but this does not happen, it just makes the play's theme very serious from this point on. It is the climax of the play and it needs a resolution, so the reader hopes that it will be a happy ending, or some kind of resolution that helps the situation.
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