How Does Shakespeare Present the Relationships Between Benedick and Beatrice, as Opposed to Claudio and Hero?

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In Shakespeare’s play, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, he greatly contrasts the relationships developed between Benedick and Beatrice, and Claudio and Hero. One is developed through deception and works well while the other is developed through true love and descends into tragedy. There is evidently a contrast between the love of Claudio and Hero and Benedick and Beatrice, as there is in their characteristics and attributes. Claudio and Hero's relationship being simply conventional and apparent whereas Beatrice and Benedick's is based on their wit and deeper feelings. Claudio first presents his love at first sight for Hero in the quotation, ‘Can the world buy such a jewel?’ Claudio’s use of the word ‘jewel’ demonstrates that a jewel is something that is only attractive to the eye and demonstrates that he only cares about the looks of a woman. The word ‘buy’ shows that he thinks of a woman as a possession with the imagery of him owning Hero as a paid object, therefore showing him as a shallow character. Social conventions are discarded in Benedick and Beatrice’s relationship and are more appealing to modern day audiences as opposed to Claudio and Hero’s relationship which is old fashioned and typical in Shakespearean times. Benedick decides to challenge Claudio in defence of Hero and for Beatrice. Since male honour was very important at the time he disregarded the social conventions and decided to go against his comrade. Claudio on the other hand is very driven by his pride and honour, decides to shame Hero to avoid being called a ‘Cuckold’. Beatrice is witty, flamboyant and sharp-tongued as opposed to Hero who is the typical daughter, not acting until her father allows it; this is very common in Shakespearean times and again shows the contrast between their relationships. Claudio falls in love at first sight with Hero based on her appearance without first looking
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