Discuss the Differences Between Beatrice and Hero in the Early Scenes of the Play
Discuss the differences between Beatrice and Hero in the early scenes of the play
Shakespeare's play Much Ado about Nothing' has two main female characters, Beatrice and Hero, who are cousins. Both appear to be completely different in the beginning of the play but, as things progress and their characters develop, there are also some very obvious similarities between them. Hero and Beatrice have a very close relationship; they are best friends. Leonato is Hero's father but Beatrice has no parents, which gives her greater freedom. Where Hero is polite, quiet, respectful and gentle, Beatrice is feisty, cynical, witty, and sharp.
Shakespeare uses quite a lot of literary devices and techniques to present the characters of Hero and Beatrice in a way that lets the audience easily compare and contrast them. For example, in the characterisation of Hero and Beatrice, the dialogue used what they say, how they say it, what other characters say about them and Hero's silence are all very important in revealing their characters; in a similar way, their actions what the characters do, and their inaction contrasts and creates significant difference between them, bringing each one's personality. In addition, Shakespeare's constant use of dramatic irony, exaggeration and contrasting plots, themes and structure all combine in his presentation of the two.
At the start of the play Hero is presented as a typical woman of the time, modest and demure she says little. In fact, Shakespeare's first words describing Hero, Is she not a modest young lady' announce her essential qualities of modesty and decorum. In this period, these were vital qualities to have in a wife and Hero possessed them, unlike Beatrice. By contrast, Shakespeare portrays Beatrice as an untypical woman, being outspoken, independent, witty and unconventional she is always participating in the conversation even with the men (especially Benedick), which Hero never does.
A prime example of this in Act 1
Shakespeare's play Much Ado about Nothing' has two main female characters, Beatrice and Hero, who are cousins. Both appear to be completely different in the beginning of the play but, as things progress and their characters develop, there are also some very obvious similarities between them. Hero and Beatrice have a very close relationship; they are best friends. Leonato is Hero's father but Beatrice has no parents, which gives her greater freedom. Where Hero is polite, quiet, respectful and gentle, Beatrice is feisty, cynical, witty, and sharp.
Shakespeare uses quite a lot of literary devices and techniques to present the characters of Hero and Beatrice in a way that lets the audience easily compare and contrast them. For example, in the characterisation of Hero and Beatrice, the dialogue used what they say, how they say it, what other characters say about them and Hero's silence are all very important in revealing their characters; in a similar way, their actions what the characters do, and their inaction contrasts and creates significant difference between them, bringing each one's personality. In addition, Shakespeare's constant use of dramatic irony, exaggeration and contrasting plots, themes and structure all combine in his presentation of the two.
At the start of the play Hero is presented as a typical woman of the time, modest and demure she says little. In fact, Shakespeare's first words describing Hero, Is she not a modest young lady' announce her essential qualities of modesty and decorum. In this period, these were vital qualities to have in a wife and Hero possessed them, unlike Beatrice. By contrast, Shakespeare portrays Beatrice as an untypical woman, being outspoken, independent, witty and unconventional she is always participating in the conversation even with the men (especially Benedick), which Hero never does.
A prime example of this in Act 1