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Posted by Smart on December 08, 19102 at 16:40:18:
In Reply to: themes posted by shakespeare on October 24, 19102 at 08:20:08:
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: Pride/status and how the characters are so eager to defend them and maintain their place in society. The idea of society being like a hierarchy- the audience expects Don John to be the one to cause havoc as he is at the bottom of the social system.The Eliozabethans were keen on law and order, society was formed by rigid rules, it would be unacceptable for a character of status and power to be intentionally causing chaos as this would undermine their undestanding of soociety and its workings. Also refer to the use of courtly language and how the men try to exceed ecahother as proof of their status.
: Deception- there is a recuring theme of things not being as they seem through out the play. eg/ Claudio is initially presented as a traditional romantic, however in later scenes indications of his temper are highlighted and things come to a head in the wedding scene- his violent reaction towards Hero reveals his true nature. Don John is also part of the theme of deception as are Bene (self-erceived womaniser- uses courtly language to create facade to hide behind- scorns love etc. consider the view that he may actually be a very vunerable and unhappy character behind his jovial exterior)and Beatrice (these are obvious examples). Also the theme is enforced by the masquede ball- everyone takes on a disguise.
: Misunderstanding is an obvious theme- make reference to eavesdropping or 'noting'- Hero/Margret confussion etc
: Thats a very elementary outline to the themes/motifs i hope its of some use!