Much Ado About Nothing Act 4.1-4.2 Litblog

Mary Ann MacDonald
Period 5
September 17, 2012

Act 4.1-4.2

Summary: Claudio accuses Hero of sleeping in another man's bed right before they get married. She has no proof to prove them wrong, and Claudio decides not to marry her and they leave as Hero faints. Claudio, Don Pedro, and Don John leave, and the Friar tells them he believes she is a virgin and Leonato wants his daughter to die for her sins. They decide to find more proof and suspect Don John, they plan to pretend Hero died to see if Claudio shows remorse that she died and if not, she can go into hiding. Beatrice and Benedick tell each other I love you, but Beatrice is mad because Benedick won't help to kill Claudio for his wrong accusations of Hero. He agrees to help hide and protect Hero though. In Act 4 Scene 2, the trial to find out if Borachio and Conrade are guilty comes, and the men are found guilty and to be taken to Leonato.

Quotation:  "Out on thee, seeming! I will write against it. You seem to me as Dian in her orb, As chaster as is the bud ere it be blown. But you are more intemperate in your blood then Venus, or those pampered animal that rage in savage sensuality."

Quotation Significance: This quote is saying that that Hero seemed worthy to Claudio, as beautifully as blossoms about to bloom. But to him, in reality, she is a pampered animal, allowed to run around and  cause and do terrible things. 

Reflection: So far, it seems that Borachio and Conrade are caught, but not Don John- although Benedick, Leonato, and Beatrice suspect him. Leonato wants to believe his daughter is innocent but he knows he can't discard the words of three or four men. Beatrice is mad at Benedick and ven though she loves him, she is hurt that he won't help her. Benedick is torn because he knows he needs to help Claudio and Beatrice. Who are at this moment, on opposite sides. Hero feels hurt because she is wrongly accused and forced to pretend to be dead and lay in hide from a sin she did not commit. 

Discussion Question: Do you think Don John will be found out as a traitor?