Much Ado About Nothing Deception Essay

Words: 489
Pages: 2

That Starved Snake: Power and Deceit in Much Ado About Nothing In many mystery movies, novels, or plays, the culprit is often the one you least expect; otherwise known as “the snake in the grass”. Manipulation and deception are common threads in William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing that ultimately tie the story together; however, in then end, the characters with less power accept their peripeteia, while the more well-liked can get away with the same crime of deceit. Although Don Pedro may seem the most honorable character due to his title and experience, he proves to be the least; therefore, Don Pedro’s role enhances Shakespeare’s overall message that the greatest deception comes from those with the most merit to pull it off. From …show more content…
Don Pedro lightheartedly proposes to Beatrice before she realizes her love for Benedick through Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio’s deception; thus, displaying a possible motive to meddle in her relationship with others after she turns him down. This rejection could allow Don Pedro to use his trust and honor in the community to take control of the life of the woman he loves. His indirect planting of “Beatrice’s feelings for Benedick” may stem from the hope of backlash, similar to Shakespeare’s theme that deception breeds more. Don Pedro’s secret goal could be to disgust Benedick and embarrass Beatrice enough to seek comfort in Don Pedro. Although Don Pedro’s secret love for Beatrice may be speculation, Shakespeare’s inclusion of his proposal is symbolic of how rejection results in the misuse of honor. The characters that express the greatest sense of ethos, wisdom, and support tend to create verisimilitude surrounding their motivations. While Don Pedro plays the father figure in Much Ado About Nothing, he uses this extra status to meddle in others’ business and enable situations of deceit. As Shakespeare would say, be wary of the “starved snakes” in the world. For not every helping hand truly intends