Love in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare has proven to be one of the greatest romantic writers of all time. Besides a clear portrayal of romantic love, Shakespeare shows an unmatched use of dramatic elements to explore conflict within his plays. Like other Shakespearean masterpieces, Much Ado About Nothing is a classical Shakespearean romantic comedy that explores love and marriage. While there are various relationships in the play, Shakespeare’s perception of love is best contrasted in Hero and Claudio’s relationship and Benedick and Beatrice’s union. A close reading of Much Ado About Nothing shows that Shakespeare envisions love as either idyllic and patriarchal or unconventional and defiant of gender expectations.

Juxtaposing the relationship between Hero and Claudia and between Benedick and Beatrice shows the different approaches Shakespeare takes towards portraying love. On the one hand, Hero and Claudi represent a conventional love typical of couples in the Victorian era. On the other hand, Beatrice and Benedick epitomize an unconventional love based on affection and disdain. For instance, Claudio refers to Hero as her "jewel", while Benedick refers to his love as "my dear lady disdain". The contrasting depiction of love is evident in how these four characters converse. Claudio and Hero whisper romantically while Benedick and Beatrice are ever-bickering. The following excerpts bring out this contrast in communication between these two couples. “My cousin tells him in his ear that he is her heart” (Act 3 Scene 2) and “if her breath were as terrible as her terminations, there was no living between her” (Act 2 Scene 1) Therefore, it is apparent that Shakespeare does not stick to one script when he constructs the relationships in this play, demonstrating that love can take varied forms.

Furthermore, the characterization in this play also helps Shakespeare bring out the varied representations of love. Benedick and Beatrice's characterization, despite exuding love, does not adhere to the conventional rules about love. The two characters are in love despite their constant bickering. It is also apparent that Shakespeare characterizes Benedick and Beatrice's love as based on mutual respect. However, on the other hand, Hero and Claudia, despite seemingly being irrevocably in love, appear trapped within gender stereotypes and female subjugation. For instance, Claudio's reactions towards Hero demonstrate the patriarchal dynamics within which both lovers live. Claudio asserts dominance over Hero when he believes that she has been unfaithful. For instance, he publicly shames her during their wedding, saying: "There Leonato, take her back again. Give not this rotten orange to your friend.” (Act 4, Scene 1). Claudio's statement here demonstrates how his relationship with Hero is imbued with gender-stereotypical expectations. Additionally, as the plot unravels, the reader appreciates that Claudio and Hero, despite coming off as hopeless romantics, are trapped in a selfish and mundane relationship.

Love is complex and does not always adhere to the typical expectations. Shakespeare’s play explores this reality by presenting two couples whose love takes different directions. On the one hand, Claudio and Hero, while appearing to be in an idyllic relationship, struggle with patriarchal constructs and gender stereotypes. On the other hand, Benedick and Beatrice’s relationship is based on mutual respect and often manifests in bickering and seemingly hate-love dynamics. Regardless, Shakespeare proves that love in the Victorian era could take different forms besides the typical romantic love.