Literature Memoir Essay

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Honor in Shakespeare’s’ Much Ado about Nothing
The play, was Shakespeare’s comedic works, possibly authored towards the end of the sixteenth century. The play features various romantic relationships, all who take an unexpected twist, culminating in the jilting of Hero by Claudio on suspicion of infidelity, and the unintended confession of love between Benedick and Beatrice. Through this play, Shakespeare addressed a myriad of themes prevalent in the English society of the time, with the play centered around the wanton folly of gossip, and its potentially detrimental effect on human interaction and especially romantic relationships. The play also offers an insightful role in affording a perspective into the primary considerations for affection during the Shakespearean times, with a particular interest in the value of honor to their society.
Arguably, honor was a central determinant of human interaction at the times material to the play. This is especially evident from the diction of the main protagonists, rife with witty banter, a common attraction for the elite. This, and other instances of seemingly noble character are very telling of the place of honor in their society. Further, it offers an informative rationale for the various actions undertaken by the characters in an attempt at upholding honor. An exemplary instance of this being the infamous request by Beatrice, asking her lover Benedick to kill Claudio as an expression of love.
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