True - and it's also a play that points up the contrast between the conventional pair of lovers, who spout romantic poetry but treat love as a business arrangement (on Claudio's part, one of the first things he asks Don Pedro is, "Has Leonato any son?", the purpose of which is made clear by Don Pedro's response, "No child but Hero: she's his only heir," whereas you may note that it's Beatrice who wryly notes that it is her cousin's duty to say, "Father, as it please you," but then, "For all that, cousin, let him be a handsome fellow, or make another courtesy and say, 'Father, as it please _me_'") , and the unconventional pair, who mock love and each other, but once they acknowledge their love, will stand by it till the death. And yes, Leonato's behavior as a father is appalling, and this movie points that out perfectly clearly (it was less appalling in Tudor times, where a woman who lost her chastity had betrayed her family's honor as well, and hence the anger, but it was still appalling that he believed the slander). Hero is abandoned by everyone - except Beatrice. Which makes Beatrice's rage in her defense all the more understandable - and leads us to forgive her for her ruthlessness in manipulating Benedick into fighting Claudio, because she really has no other choice. If she could fight Claudio herself, she would have, but the conventions of her world forbid it. Given what a publicly ruined reputation could do to a woman back then, Benedick is literally Hero's last hope for a decent life and happiness (well, except for discovery of the plot and proof of her innocence, which is of course what happens) and Beatrice knows it.
And yes, Leonato's behavior as a father is appalling, and this movie points that out perfectly clearly (it was less appalling in Tudor times, where a woman who lost her chastity had betrayed her family's honor as well, and hence the anger, but it was still appalling that he believed the slander). Hero is abandoned by everyone - except Beatrice. Which makes Beatrice's rage in her defense all the more understandable - and leads us to forgive her for her ruthlessness in manipulating Benedick into fighting Claudio, because she really has no other choice. If she could fight Claudio herself, she would have, but the conventions of her world forbid it. Given what a publicly ruined reputation could do to a woman back then, Benedick is literally Hero's last hope for a decent life and happiness (well, except for discovery of the plot and proof of her innocence, which is of course what happens) and Beatrice knows it.
Reply
Leave a comment