Deception

• "I will have a recheat winded in my forehead ... Because I will not do them the wrong to mistrust any , I will do myself to trust no one"

  • a "recheat " is a signal sounded on a horn to call back hunting dogs
  • Benedick metaphorically suggests that he will have a horn signal blown in his forehead , indicating he will not conform to societal expectations regarding love and marriage
  • suggests a defiance of traditional norms and an unwillingness to participate in the pursuit of romantic relationships
• "I will have a recheat winded in my forehead ... Because I will not do them the wrong to mistrust any , I will do myself to trust no one"

  • Benedicks declaration that he will "do myself the right to trust no one" suggests that his reluctance to trust women is rooted in a desire to protect himself from potential deception or heartbeat
  • he views mistrust as a form of self- preservation , choosing to guard himself against the perceived risks of romantic entanglement
• The characters wear masks, which serve as physical disguises, concealing their identities and allowing them to engage in deception. This creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity, as characters can pretend to be someone they're not, leading to misunderstandings and mistaken identities.
• Benedick and Beatrice, who have been engaging in a battle of wits and denying their feelings for each other, are deceived by their friends into believing that the other is in love with them.

  This deception is orchestrated by Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio, who hope to bring Benedick and Beatrice together by tricking them into admitting their true feelings.
• "I cannot hide what I am " - Don John

  "Yes but you must not make full show of this till you may do it without controlment " - Comrad

  • Comrad reflects a more calculated approach to deception by advising Don John to refrain from openly displaying his true nature until he can do so "without controlment" , meaning without restraint or consequence
  • comrad recognizes the importance of timing and discretion in manipulating to achieve goals
  • comrad embodies the theme of deception by emphasizing the strategic use of falsehoods and concealment to manipulate others
• "Sigh no more ladies , sigh no more , men were deceivers ever . One foot in the sea and one on shore ,To one thing constant never " - Balthasar ACT 1 , SCENE 3

  • "sigh no more " advice could be seen as a reflection of the societal pressure on women to remain composure and not display their emotions
  • foreshadows the central deception , orchestrated by Don John ,who plots to deceive Claudio
  • by establishing the theme of deception so early ; Shakespeare sets the stage for the unfolding drama and exploration of truth , honesty ,and fidelity throughout the play
• "Sigh no more ladies , sigh no more , men were deceivers ever . One foot in the sea and one on shore ,To one thing constant never "

  • the song warns the fickleness of men and that they're

  inherently deceitful and unable to remain faithful ; sign of hypocrisy that it is deemed acceptable for men to sleep with women before marriage but not women (double standards)

  • the metaphor "one foot in sea and one on shore " suggests that men are unstable to fully commit to one person or thing
  • imagery evoke the idea of being torn between two worlds of make definite choices
• "And so dies my revenge."

  • Friar Francis explains the plan to Leonato, Hero's father, and to Hero herself. He advises them to mourn Hero's supposed death publicly and to let rumours spread about her death, hoping that Claudio will eventually feel remorse and confess to his mistake.
  • hero's death elicits strong emotions from claudio , including grief and remorse
  • the news of her death serves as a powerful reminder of the depths of his love and tragic consequences of his actions
  • the emotional impact contributes to his eventual reconciliation with her
• Hero's death

  • Hero's "resurrection allows for a dramatic reconcilliation between her and claudio
  • When Hero reveals herself to be alive ,it dispels the misunderstandings and deception that had drven her apart
  • the revelation of survival enables them to overcome the obstacles that have threatened their relationship and to reaffirm their love
• "give not this rotten orange to your friend she's but the sigh and semblance of her honour"

  • Claudio's accusation against Hero not only impacts her personally but also tarnishes her reputation in the eyes of others
  • by likening her to a "rotten orange" Claudio implies that her honour has been corrupted or spoiled
  • highlighting the fragility of reputation and the ease which it can be damaged by false accusations or gossip