I think that Shakespeare was making fun of the stereotypes in society. First of all, Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy, which means the characters are supposed to be somewhat comedic. For example, when Hero is accused of being a whore, no one assumes otherwise because she is a weak woman just like Eve. Yet, we as the reader know that this is not the case, and obviously she was not off being a whore and the automatic thought that she was was misguided. And also the fact that just because Beatrice does not fall in love that she is proud and heartless. Only witty women never fall in love, beauties like Hero, with not as much wit, just fall in love all over the place. Yet, in the end they both fall in love, showing us that the thought that the stereotype of headstrong women is also misguided
The lower class people are portrayed as dumb with low vocabulary. Yet, they provide an element of humor that everyone can understand. And they are made fun of in a way that almost makes them see unrealistic, portraying the way the higher classes thinks of them. This makes their thought seem wrong, that no one is so idiotic as to speak this way; hence Shakespeare makes fun of them.
7 comments:
Wow, good points. Earlier, I was kind of mad about Beatrice's line where she says she will tame herself for Benedick, but you're right– she does marry in the end, without actually becoming tame. That part of the plot contradicts the traditional stereotype of women.
Ellen I think you did a really good job specifically outlining a lot of stereotypes. I think it was good that you outlined the ways that the stereotypes were misguided and proved otherwise, and how some stereotypes were just inspirations for others.
Hi Ellen! I really liked your post, mostly because you brought up a lot of points I hadn't thought about before. When you said Hero's "falling in love all over the place" and witty Beatrice is too "proud" (in the beginning) to fall in love I thought about how women in the play are all thought to be there just for men.
ELLEN! i loved your ideas! you hit the nail on the head. there is deffinetly a stereo type on not only the book but in our society that pretty, well mannered, wall flower girls only get to fall in love. and i'm sure shakespear was picking up on that in his time. also a very prominent stereotype is the stereotype that lower class people are stupid. and this was palyed into the story giving it a very funny touch. good job!
Ellen,
I really enjoyed the points you made. I had never thought of the stereotype of Beatrice. Most overlook her because she is such a strong charachter in the play but I loved how you picked out her specific stereotype.
Hey Ellen! I totally agree with your idea that he does use stereotypes to add to the comedy. I think you and I were the only ones who said that! Also, the examples you used of stereotypes was excellent.
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