A Comparison between Romeo and Juliet, and Much Ado About Nothing
Kemper Winkleman
Hon. Eng. 9
19 May 2013
Comparison Essay
Comparisons are great between many of Shakespeare’s works. Many comparisons can be made in lies, fights, and conflict between Romeo and Juliet, which is a tragedy, and Much Ado About Nothing, which is a comedy. After comparing them both they show these in all elements. First, characters in both plays include villains, lovers, and friends.
In both pieces the topic of lies comes up many times. Many characters display this. The first act of dishonesty happened when Romeo and Benvolio tried to deceive the Capulet’s by attending their feast, uninvited. As a result, Romeo met Juliet, and instantly fell in love, which was the beginning of the play. When he met Juliet, Romeo said, “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night” (1.5.52-53). Romeo is already in love, when he has only just met this woman. This is the main cause of the entire tragedy. The most destructive act of lying was in “Much Ado about Nothing” when Borachio and Don John framed young Hero. “But you are more intemperate in your blood/Than Venus, or those pamper’d animals” (4.1.53-54). Claudio has just accused Hero of being unworthy due to a framed situation.. This entirely ruined their wedding. Consequences are also shown throughout both to prove the trouble of love.
In both plays love is the bond that holds them together, in spite of many fights the two face. For instance, the entire tale of “Romeo and Juliet” is based upon a feud. The Montague’s and Capulet’s despise one another. The fight continues to dwell on; the families refuse to forgive and forget. “From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” (1.1.3). This stubborn mindset prevents young Juliet and Romeo from public love. In Much Ado About Nothing, the main plot also contains an angry perspective. Beatrice and Benedick are constantly bickering throughout the story. Both characters
Hon. Eng. 9
19 May 2013
Comparison Essay
Comparisons are great between many of Shakespeare’s works. Many comparisons can be made in lies, fights, and conflict between Romeo and Juliet, which is a tragedy, and Much Ado About Nothing, which is a comedy. After comparing them both they show these in all elements. First, characters in both plays include villains, lovers, and friends.
In both pieces the topic of lies comes up many times. Many characters display this. The first act of dishonesty happened when Romeo and Benvolio tried to deceive the Capulet’s by attending their feast, uninvited. As a result, Romeo met Juliet, and instantly fell in love, which was the beginning of the play. When he met Juliet, Romeo said, “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night” (1.5.52-53). Romeo is already in love, when he has only just met this woman. This is the main cause of the entire tragedy. The most destructive act of lying was in “Much Ado about Nothing” when Borachio and Don John framed young Hero. “But you are more intemperate in your blood/Than Venus, or those pamper’d animals” (4.1.53-54). Claudio has just accused Hero of being unworthy due to a framed situation.. This entirely ruined their wedding. Consequences are also shown throughout both to prove the trouble of love.
In both plays love is the bond that holds them together, in spite of many fights the two face. For instance, the entire tale of “Romeo and Juliet” is based upon a feud. The Montague’s and Capulet’s despise one another. The fight continues to dwell on; the families refuse to forgive and forget. “From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” (1.1.3). This stubborn mindset prevents young Juliet and Romeo from public love. In Much Ado About Nothing, the main plot also contains an angry perspective. Beatrice and Benedick are constantly bickering throughout the story. Both characters