Don John

• "I am a plain dealing - dealing villain"

  • self - awareness demonstrated regarding his villainy ; he doesn't attempt to disguise or justify his foreshadowed actions ,instead he openly acknowledges his nefarious nature
  • paradoxically ,Don Johns admission of villainy can be seen as a moment of honesty ,while his actions throughout the play are driven by deception and manipulation, his acknowledgement of his true nature is a rare instance of honesty ; serves to reinforce his status as a villain rather than to redeem him in any way
• "I am a plain dealing - villain"

  • contributes to dramatic irony, as the audience is already aware of Don Johns deceitful schemes, but many of the other characters in the play are not
  • creates tension and suspense as the audience watches Don Johns machinations unfold wile knowing the true extent of his villainy
• "I had rather be a canker in a hedge ,than a rose in his grace"

  • The imagery of a canker which is a destructive type of plant disease ,suggests he sees himself as inherently negative or destructive , sharply contrasting with the positive connotations of a rose symbolising beaty and grace ; evoking a sense of isolation and alienation
  • Don John sees himself as an outsider ,separate from the beaty and grace of a rose
  • the feeling of isolation may contribute to his agnostic behaviour and desire to disrupt the harmony and happiness of others and his schadenfreude and malcontent nature
• "I had rather be a canker in a hedge ,than a rose in his grace"

  reflects his deep - rooted bitterness and resentment towards others particularly his brother ; Don Pedro

  • his self-perception and feelings of inadequacy suggests he views himself unworthy of receiving grace or favour from others
  • the self- depreciation attitude may also stem from a sense of rejection - driving him to adopt a cyclical and antagonistic stance towards others
• Conrade: "What the good-year, my lord! why are you thus out of measure sad?"

  Don John: "There is no measure in the occasion that breeds; therefore the sadness is without limit."

  ACT 2 ,SCENE 1

  • view of the world is inherently sorrowful suggests a cynical outlook. he likely distrusts others and sees little value in optimism or hope
  • showcases a certain level of intellectualism ; language is articulate and reflects a philosophical perspective on sadness and the human condition..
• Conrade: "What the good-year, my lord! why are you thus out of measure sad?"

  Don John: "There is no measure in the occasion that breeds; therefore the sadness is without limit."

  ACT 2 ,SCENE 1

  • hyperbole ; he exaggerates the extent of sadness by saying it is "without limit." - intensifies the bleakness of his perspective.
  • reflects a deeply pessimistic worldview ; he sees sadness as limitless,
• "I am not of many words, but I thank you." - ACT 1 ,SCENE 3

  • concise and to the point ; indicating that he is not one to engage in lengthy or unnecessary conversation.
  • This brevity suggests that he prefers to keep his thoughts and emotions guarded, revealing little about himself.
  • "I thank you" on its own could be interpreted as polite but lacking in sincerity ; when combined with the preceding statement, it reinforces the impression that Don John's thanks may be insincere or superficial, merely a social nicety rather than a genuine expression of gratitude.
• • "Fie, fie, they are not to be named, my lord, not to be spoke of"
  • Repetition of "fie" Shows Don John is taking on some false sense of shock and morality, highlighting his duplicitous nature
  • By appearing shocked and disapproving at the mere mention of the subject, he aims to project an image of reliability and trustworthiness. However, this outward display of innocence is actually a deceptive tactic to conceal his true motives or involvement in the matter.
• • "Fie, fie, they are not to be named, my lord, not to be spoke of"
  • the quote highlights Don John's deception by showing how he manipulates language and behaviour to create a false impression of reliability while secretly working towards his own sinister agenda.
• "that young start-up hath all the glory of my overthrow"

  • jealous of Claudio for having all the privileges he was denied of due to being illegitimate.
  • he may also be talking about war and Claudio's fighting ability ;calling him a young start-up insults his age and his inexperience also suggests that he sees Claudio as someone who has risen to prominence quickly and perhaps undeservedly in his eyes.
  • reveals his jealousy towards Claudio. He feels overshadowed and resentful of Claudio's success and recognition
• • "that young start-up hath all the glory of my overthrow"
  • sheds light on Don John's character and motivations
  • Don John is depicted as a villainous and envious character who seeks to undermine others out of spite and jealousy.
  • resentment towards Claudio reflects his broader desire to cause discord and chaos among the characters, exploiting any opportunity to sow seeds of mistrust and conflict.
• "Only to despite them, I will endeavour anything."

  • Don John is motivated primarily by a desire to spite or oppose others, rather than pursuing his own goals or desires. It implies that he is willing to go to great lengths and undertake any endeavor if it means thwarting or causing harm to those whom he opposes or dislikes. This attitude reflects a sense of vindictiveness and antagonism, indicating that Don John may derive satisfaction from causing trouble or disrupting the plans of others simply out of spite.