Hero

• "a modest young lady"

  • "modest" suggests she conducts herself with propriety and decorum
  • in the social context of the play, modesty would encompass behaviours such as humility, restraint and decency
  • Hero's modesty implies that she adheres to societal norms and expectations regarding proper feminine behaviour
  • her modesty also contributes to her reputation as a respectable and honourable young woman ; in a society where a woman's honour and reputation where highly valued , hero's modesty enhances her standing and respectability
• "a modest young lady"

  • Hero's modesty may also manifest in her demeanour and interactions with others
  • hero's reserved demeanour adds to her image as a virtuos and proper young woman ,conforming to societal ideas of femininity
  • the story of hero and Leander was a very prevalent story of when hero threw herself out of a tower to her death in order to reunite with her lover (Leander) ; the name hero suggests faithfulness in love
• • despite being present throughout Act 1 , Hero fails to state any opinion - or talk very much
  • instead the audience learns about her character and reputation vicariously through the observations of other characters ,notably Claudio
• "I will acquaint my daughter withal, that she be better prepared for an answer"

  • by Leonato stating he will "acquaint" her he assumes the role of intermediary between Claudio and Hero , diminishing her agency in the matter ; suggests Hero's voice and desires are not considered significant
  • approach reflects the societal norm and expectations of women in the Elizabethan era where they where expected to be passive and obedient in matters of courtship and marriage
  • lack of agency and autonomy is indicative of the patriarchal structures that governed gender roles and relationships
• "I will acquaint my daughter withal, that she be better prepared for an answer"

  • the phrase "that she may be better prepared for an answer " implies that Hero's value is limited to receiving and responding to proposals rather than actively participating in the courtship process
  • reinforces the notion that Hero's value lies in her ability to attract suitors and secure advantageous marriages ,rather than in her own autonomy or agency
• "I will do any modest office, my lord to help my cousin to a good husband"

  • willingness to find her cousin a husband indicates a sense towards fulfilling societal expectations regarding marriage
  • "to a good husband" implies that Hero prioritizes the quality of her cousins match , indicating her belief in marrying well ; suggests that hero views marriage not only as a societal obligation but also a means of securing her cousins future happiness
• • "I will do any modest office, my lord to help my cousin to a good husband"
  • in Elizabethan society ,marriage was often viewed as a woman's primary role and responsibility ,and Hero's offer to help her cousin reflects her acceptance of this societal norm
• "My cousins a fool and tho art another ,Ill wear none but this"

  • audience are granted an insight into another side of Hero when she is surrounded by the company of solely woman ; she expresses dominant behaviour
  • Heroes asserting her position as the authoritative individual within the dynamic ,a side to her that the audience therefore understand is oppressed into subservience by male government
  • Shake sphere posits that Hero is underestimated by those around her