Shakespeare

Act 4, scene 1, lines 1 -105

1. The scene begins light but ultimately ends in darkness, with everyone but Benedick and Beatrice blaming and accusing Hero. 

2. The wedding is set in a traditional setting, however the events that occur in that setting are the opposite to what is expected. The way that the events oppose the traditional setting make the scene more significant. 

3. Throughout the story Hero is presented as a typical dutiful and obidient young woman, until this scene, where she is accused of being a 'rotton orange' which suggests that she has an outer beauty, but is deteriorating on the inside. Claudio, the courageous and patient lord, lacks experience, and in this scene appears insensitive, and quick to doubt. The audience can understand his anger, when he hears of the news of Hero, but to the modern audience he seems shallow and unfaithful to believe the lies. 

4. Claudio and Hero's relationship seems to be formal and standard for a wedding of the time. What actually happens, however, contradicts the traditional wedding, and for the audience this adds interest and significance to the scene. 

5. Shakespeare makes the scene more interesting for the audience through the use of humour: Leonato causes humour through his naivity, which represents his character, and love for his daughter, for he…