Mystery
Why does Claudio finally marry Hero?
Claudio falls in love with Hero, scarcely knowing her.
Claudio is easily tricked by Don John who says that Don
Pedro wants to marry Hero.
Claudio is quick to reject Hero even though he is in agony.
He has little judgement and has not grown up enough to trust his own feelings and to see Hero’s virtue for what it is.
At the end of the play, Claudio has learnt something about life and accepts his wrong doings.
Hero is rejected and humiliated during the wedding ceremony.
Claudio accepts and carries out his penance holding an allnight vigil for the ‘dead’
Claudio accepts his wrong doing and agrees to marry
Leonato’s ‘niece’.
Don John is envious of the way he has been replaced in his brother’s affections by Claudio
Beatrice’s angrily condemns Claudio’s behaviour in publicly humiliating Hero
– she points out the youthful lack of judgement in his argument.

Don Pedro woos Hero for the young and inexperienced
Claudio
Claudio deceives everyone at he start of the marriage service.
Claudio grows up during the course of the play moving from a young man who ‘fancies’ Hero to having a deep understanding of the word love.
Claudio wanted a beautiful wife to walk by his side in public.
His mind was no longer on war.
He had gained honours from Don Pedro for his heroic acts in battle.
Leonato was a wealthy man and was looking for a good match for his daughter
Don Pedro wooed Hero for Claudio to ensure the marriage took place.
Hero is a young beautiful woman who has not yet truly experienced romance.
Eli z abethan men saw women as possessions to acquire.
Don Pedro, Claudio and Don John saw Hero making love to another man on the eve of her wedding.

Leonato wishes Hero was dead rather than live as a shamed woman.
Shakespeare wanted to create tension before the ending of the play.
Shakespeare wanted to resolve all the action
The audience were able to observe the moral impact of the play
– Leonato’s family honour is restored, Claudio has served his penance and Don John will be punished for his crime.
In mine eye she is the sweetest lady that ever I looked on
Can the world but such a jewel?
I looked upon her with a soldier’s eye
That liked but had a rougher task in hand.
How fair young Hero is
Friendship is constant in all other things
Save in the office and affairs of love
Beauty is a witch
Is she not a modest young lady?
Give this rotten orange to your friend
I stand dishonoured that have gone about
To link my dear friend to a common stale
Death is the fairest cover for her shame

Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes