Character Analysis of Hero in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing
The character of Hero in Much Ado About Nothing is analyzed through key quotes and scenes from the play. Hero is depicted as a kind and clever woman, misunderstood and wronged by other characters like Claudio and Don John. Her strength, intelligence, and understanding of human nature shine through in various interactions, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.
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MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - HERO 20/05/2015
CLAUDIO: CAN THE WORLD BUY SUCH A JEWEL? ACT 1, SCENE 1 This compares Hero to a very precious yet also expensive artefact This also goes along with the stereotypes that in those days women were treated as possessions This shows Claudio s double meaning for marrying her, one for status and two for love
HERO : HE IS OF A VERY MELANCHOLY DISPOSITION ACT 2, SCENE 1 Hero s kind character and nature is highlighted here as she looks on Don John as of a melancholy disposition compared to the thoughts of most others in the town that John is simply The Bastard . The use of the adjective melancholy suggests that she almost empathises with Don John, instead of simply judging him by the fact that he is an outcast.
DON JOHN: LEONATOS HERO, YOUR HERO, EVERY MAN S HERO. ACT 3, SCENE 2 This shows Hero wrongly depicted as a slut This contains contrast as to how evil Don John is to Hero s innocence This is a list of three which has a huge impact on Claudio, leading him to immediately believe that she has wronged him
HERO :GOOD MARGARET, RUN THEE TO THE PARLOUR AND BID HER STEAL INTO THE PLEACHED BOWER ACT 3, SCENE 1 This message highlights Hero s ability with words as she beautifully describes the spot where Benedick and Beatrice shall meet. The phrase where honeysuckles, ripened by the sun is the main description that she cleverly uses to ensure Margaret lures Beatrice to the orchard. This piece of text also highlights her organisation and sharpness because she has executed her part of the plan with Don Pedro.
HERO: TO PRAISE HIM MORE THAN EVER MAN DID MERIT - ACT 3, SCENE 1 This quote should change our beliefs about Hero because she isn t simply deluded by love and does understand that men do have great failings. She doesn t have the wit of Beatrice but certainly understands that women can fall in love with men despite their failings.
HERO: IF I SHOULD SPEAK, SHE WOULD MOCK ME INTO AIR; O, SHE WOULD LAUGH ME OUT PF MYSELF, PRESS ME TO DEATH WITH WIT ACT 3, SCENE 1 Hero admits that Beatrice could easily make a mockery of her with her unique wit and is afraid of confronting Beatrice. This highlights how these two characters are completely different women of the era because Beatrice is unique and gifted with the ability to share witty jokes with men, whilst Hero is a more reserved and traditional character.
HERO: "AND HERES ANOTHER, WRIT IN MY COUSIN S HAND, STOL N FROM HER POCKET, CONTAINING HER AFFECTION UNTO BENEDICK ACT 5, SCENE 4 This quote suggests that Hero isn t as traditional as we think she is because she plays her part in deceiving Benedick and Beatrice. Hero s first and last lines of the play refer to Beatrice which defers her importance in the play to the subplot between Beatrice and Benedick.
BENEDICK: METHINKS SHES TOO LOW FOR A HIGH PRAISE, TOO BROWN FOR A FAIR PRAISE AND TOO LITTLE FOR A GREAT PRAISE. This is a list of three This depicts Hero as being very average and of no major beauty, contrasting with Claudio s love for her This is also slightly bias as Benedick does not judge any women highly
