About Nothing Essay, Research Paper
The role of romantic love plays a central part in the plot of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. The way in which each character embraces the emotion shows a great deal about who they are, as well as the time in which they lived. Love, as defined by Shakespeare’s characters, differs greatly from my own definition. However, the changeable nature of the emotion itself is what allows Claudio, Hero, Bene*censored*, and Beatrice to interact in a way that is both comical and entertaining.
Perhaps the most obvious of all the differences between my opinion of love and Shakespeare’s is the time frame in which 2 individuals grow to develop the emotion. This is most likely due to societal differences. During the time when Shakespeare was writing his plays, life expectancy was considerably shorter than it is today. For this reason, young people were expected to reach maturity at a much earlier age. Women were usually married well before the age of 20. By today’s standards, that seems a very young age to enter into such an adult commitment. However, since life itself was shorter, people had comparatively less time to meet a mate, fall in love, marry, and have children. In my opinion, with anywhere from 70 to 100 years to live, there is certainly no time limit set on falling in love. Likewise, marriage should not be a bond entered into in haste, since ideally, it should last for many decades.
To me, romantic love is an extremely powerful bond. Like a friendship, it takes time to develop. It is characterized by a desire to share every aspect of oneself, mind, body, and soul, with another person. The two people become best friends as well as lovers. For many, the ultimate result is marriage. In Much Ado About Nothing, there are 2 couples that exhibit what Shakespeare would consider to be romantic love: Claudio and Hero, and Bene*censored* and Beatrice. There is a large disparity in the way these people reveal their emotions. The differences help to distinguish each character and his personality.
The character of Claudio is written to be impulsive. His actions are not supported by a profundity in thought and are therefore rash and impetuous. Claudio falls in love with Hero without having so much as a conversation with her. He then falls quickly out of love when he believes her to be cheating on him. If Claudio truly loved Hero, he would cherish her as a human being rather than as that which he coveted. If his love for her was consistent with my definition, his trust in her would have caused him to doubt even his own eyes upon seeing her with another man. It would also cause him to seek out the truth, no matter how obvious it might seem. He should have had difficulty in believing that someone with whom he shared a piece of his soul could so easily deceive him. Instead of confronting Hero privately (which to me would have been the rational thing to do), he chooses to publicly humiliate her and bring shame to her father. Albeit these are not the actions of a rational person, they are necessary to convey the absurdity of the plot. I doubt Shakespeare was trying to achieve sincerity in any of his characters. If he had, Much Ado About Nothing would simply not have been funny.
The role of women in the time at which the play was written differs from that of today. As the submissive of the sexes, women were expected to do what men told them and not ask questions. Love allows a woman today to be an avid pursuer and to choose her partner. Hero is the epitome of the acquiescent woman. When her father, Leonato, tells her she is to marry Don Pedro, she agrees. When Leonato tells her she is to marry Claudio, she agrees. Hero seems to have no opinion on the matter whatsoever. In her case, it appears that love plays no role in marriage. The exaggeration of her character is also unreal, which furthers the comic absurdity of the play.
Arguably the most compelling of Shakespeare’s characters in Much Ado About Nothing, Bene*censored* and Beatrice exhibit a depth of thought and wit that the other characters lack. Their constant rude yet flirtatious banter shows a level of interaction unique to that couple. The barbs they throw that sting so effectively show how well they know each other. Because of this, their feelings bear a closer resemblance to what I believe to be true love. Love itself is a powerful emotion. To me, the only other emotion that comes close to conveying the same passion is hate. For this reason, the line separating the two is often confused. Beatrice and Bene*censored* are both compelled to each other in an irresistible way. Because both characters renounce love and the institute of marriage, they attribute this attraction to hate alone. When their friends finally trick them into thinking that each is in love with the other, both Beatrice and Bene*censored* are forced to examine the possibility of falling in love. Once this door has been opened, the two easily cross the line from hate into love. The foundation for their relationship is already established, which makes the transition natural.
In Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare plays with the concept of romantic love and its effects on those who experience it. Although Shakespeare and I would probably disagree on many of the particulars, I would have to admit that his interpretation of the word allows for a comical and highly entertaining piece of work.
Другие работы по теме:
Family relations
The word "family" is connected with warm relations between members. Family relations. Both the husband and the wife create their future together. Children should love and respect the parents. A family role in children's formation of individuality.
Role Model Essay Research Paper Role ModelEveryone
Role Model Essay, Research Paper Role Model Everyone has a role model. Whether an athlete, an older sibling, a parent or relative, or just a special someone everyone wants to be “just like” that certain person. I am a role model to my younger siblings, my cousins, and I hope to be a role model to all of the Wild Life kids.
In Every Posible Way Essay Research Paper
Creeping on up like night Rushing through like day, Love came and grasped me In every single way. Sweetening like chocolate Bittering liek lime Love came and tasted me
Petcharchen Love In Romeo And Juliet Essay
, Research Paper The Petrachan lover has many characteristics. The Petrachan lover is attracted to beauty, and list physical characteristics. He idealizes his mate. He is normally infatuated with his lover. The Petrachan lover uses many metaphors and similes. He is smooth, fancy, and very flowery. Finally, he is blazon.
Midsummer Nights Dream Essay Research Paper Love
Midsummer Nights Dream Essay, Research Paper Love is something that will never be defined. No one knows what love is. When Egeus describes it as being ?feign?, and ?cunning?, he is, for the most
He Has The Heartless Eyes Of One
Who Is Loved Exceedingly Essay, Research Paper I don’t think that someone might ever be loved excessively. Everyone should be loved beyond measure. Love becomes excessive when it isn’t shared; every gesture towards the one who doesn’t love becomes embarrassing. There’s no fault in the fact that you don’t love; and there’s no merit in the fact that you love, as well: the love you have for someone (if it’s real) should be your own reward.
My Love Essay Research Paper You are
My Love Essay, Research Paper You are my everything My one true love My heart will sing If we can stay forever in love When I first laid eyes upon you My jaw dropped
They Know Essay Research Paper Out of
They Know Essay, Research Paper Out of my love for you is conceived only pain However that gives me some pleasure Your face reflects the night of a full moon
Always And Forever Essay Research Paper When
Always And Forever Essay, Research Paper When nothing makes sense and every thought is blurred, Love finds it’s way and somehow I understand. I know why it is and what must be,
Themes Of Romeo And Juliet Essay Research
Paper In Shakespeare?s Romeo and Juliet, there are several themes. One theme deals with ?eye love? versus ?heart love?. Eye love is loving someone at first sight because of
John Donne Essay Research Paper Donne John
John Donne Essay, Research Paper Donne John. ?The Canonization.? Twentieth Century Views: John Donne. Ed. Helen Gardner. Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Prentice – Hall, INC.,1962
Romeo And Roseline Together Essay Research Paper
Romeo and Rosaline Together? In the Shakespearean tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, one main character, Romeo, is presented as a melancholy person during the first act of the play. The source of Romeo s melancholy may be caused by his love for Rosaline, and her lack of love for him. In the beginning of the play, we learn that Romeo is pursuing the young lady, Rosaline, which he is in love with, but who does not share that love, [o]ut of her favor when I am in love (1.1.166).
Expository Essay On A Farewell To Arms
Essay, Research Paper Ernest Hemmingway’s A Farewell to Arms, the protagonist, Frederic Henry is both dysfunctional and tragic. Throughout the story Henry lives up to this
The Role Of Friar Lawrence Essay Research
Paper In Romeo and Juliet, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, Friar Lawrence plays a dominate role in the eventual death of Romeo and Juliet even though he is not on stage for most of the play. There are basically three major parts that lead to the tragedy; the marriage, the plan, and the inevitable deaths in all which Friar Lawrence plays a vital role.Friar Lawrence plays an essential role in the marriage of young Romeo and Juliet.
A Farewell To Arms The Love S
Essay, Research Paper A Farewell to Arms is a typical love story. It is much like Romeo and Juliet. Frederick Henry representing a similar role to Romeo and Catherine Barkley to Juliet. Like the love of Romeo and Juliet, the conflicting environment and people around them challenged their love. Frederick and Catherine are placed against significant odds in this novel.
Love In Literature Essay Research Paper There
Love In Literature Essay, Research Paper There are many different interpretations and feelings about love being a beautiful thing and love being an ordinary thing depending on ones past. Two
Love Theme Essay Research Paper They say
Love Theme Essay, Research Paper They say to love is a beautiful thing They say to love is work, but is worth it. Alas, they say to love is to be eternally happy. But who exactly is ?they??
My Thoughts On Love Essay Research Paper
My thoughts on Love What is love for? Why does it have to be just a word thrown around like a misguided sin? Why do people fall in love? Is it because they want to be hurt? If people realized that love
Love Is Like A Rose Essay Research
Paper LOVE IS LIKE A ROSE Some compare love to all kinds of things. I say, “love is like a rose”. Foremost, a rose symbolizes loveliness, which stems from love. The rose is the most beautiful of all flowers and love is the most precious emotion. A rose commences from a tiny rosebud into an unexplainable beauty, an undiminished rose.
I Love You Essay Research Paper I
I Love You Essay, Research Paper I Love the way you hold me, When I have no one to turn to. I love how you always convince me Your love is so true. I love the way you make me laugh
LoveWhat Is It Essay Research Paper Love
Love:What Is It? Essay, Research Paper Love: What is it? To many people love means many things. To others, to love is to place their happiness in one another. Love can be how they feel about that special someone. I’m not talking about the fatherly love or that motherly love. I’m talking about the love that you feel towards someone.
The Little Black Boy Essay Research Paper
The Little Black Boy The theme of guardianship, being the act of guarding, protecting, and taking care of another person, is very prominent in William Blake s The Little Black Boy . Three distinct instances of guardianship can be seen in Blake s poem. These guardianship roles begin with the little boy s mother, followed by God, and ultimately ending with the unsuspecting little black boy himself.
Parents
’ Role Essay, Research Paper ?Roles of Parents? All parents love their children. They sometimes even sacrifice their lives for their children. But is only love enough for a child to grow up with? Why do parents need a child? This is the first question parents should ask themselves before anything else. Lots of parents think they have enough reasons for having a child but do parents need children to satisfy themselves, to dedicate their love to him/her, or to train a good, useful person for the society they?re living in.
Poem The Way Love Works Essay Research
Paper Some say it’s simple some say you just know some say it’s hard I don’t think so Love isn’t tricky it’s really quite bold it’s when you see your love and your stomach just folds
PLATONIC IDEALS OF LOVE Essay Research Paper
SHAKESPEARE’S SONNET 116 AND SONNET 130 BOTH DESCRIBE LOVE IN DIFFERENT WAYS BUT BOTH SHOW THE IDEALS OF PLATONIC LOVE. THE THREE STAGES OF PLATONIC LOVE IS THE LOVE OF BODY, THE LOVE OF MIND AND THE LOVE OF SOUL.
A Farewell To Arms 2 Essay Research
Paper A Farewell to Arms (2) World War II propels the characters in A Farewell to Arms. Fredrick Henry s actions are determined by his position until he deserts the army. It is during his escape Henry resolves that he is through with the war, a war in which he really has no place, and decides that all he wants is to be with Catherine.
The Meaning Of Love Essay Research Paper
THE MEANING OF LOVE Love is just a four-letter word with so many meanings behind it. In other words the definition for love is endless? So what is love and do we