Masking and Mistaken Identities

Through desperate characters, Shakespeare creates a theme by masking and mistaking their identities. The scandalous characters’ action leads to evil results in Much Ado About Nothing. Though Don Pedro, Claudio, and Margaret, Shakespeare demonstrates that masking and mistaken identity leads to iniquitous results. Don Pedro pretends to be Claudio in order to satisfy his need of getting Hero married to Claudio. In the book, it says, “And tell fair Hero I am Claudio,” (1.1.317). This is the end of act 1 sc. 1 when Don Pedro tells Claudio that he will help him win Hero's heart. They plan to wear masks at the party that night, and Pedro will pretend to be Claudio. In addition, the book tells says, ”With me in your company?/ I may so when I please.”(2.1.89-90) This is when Don Pedro is wooing Hero, by pretending to be Claudio under a mask. Claudio pretends to be Benedick in order to satisfy his need of getting to know if Hero loved him and would marry him. In the book, it says “ Thus answer I in name of Bendick/But hear these ill news with the ears of Claudio.” (2.1.170-171) This shows a soliloquy of Claudio unmasking after the banquet and reflects on what happened. Also the book says, “You know me well. I am he.” (2.1.160) Claudio talks to Don John saying that he is Benedick. Margaret hides her identity in order to ruin Claudio’s and Hero’s relationship.In the book, “ And thought they Margaret was Hero?/ Two of them did, the Prince and Claudio” (3.3.154-155) This is after the plan of Don Pedro. Also Not so, neither. “But know that I have tonight wooed Maragret the Lady Hero’s gentlewoman.”(3.3.144-145) This shows that Maragret wooed Hero and tricked the Prince and Claudio. Though Don Pedro, Claudio, and Margaret, Shakespeare demonstrates that masking and mistaken identity leads to iniquitous results. This is what Shakespeare is representing when he included masking and mistaken identity.