Tuesday, February 1, 2022 | By Chloe Garth-Fielder | 263 views
The play takes a twisted turn as the readers and the audience observe the dramatic irony surfacing in the shadows of a masquerade ball. Having planned this occassion for the celebration of the end of the war, this event provides a disguised Don Pedro the opportunity to woo Hero on Claudio's behalf. On the other hand, Don John uses this situation to get revenge on his brother Don Pedro by telling young Claudio that Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself.
A furious Claudio confronts Don Pedro, but the misunderstanding is quickly resolved and Claudio wins Hero's hand in marriage. Meanwhile, Benedick disguises himself and dances with Beatrice. Beatrice seemingly knows that the masked man is Benedick, but deceives him and proceeds to tell this "mystery man" that Benedick is "the prince's jester, a very dull fool." Benedick, enraged by her words, vows he will have revenge.
Don Pedro and his men, bored at the prospect of waiting a week for the wedding, harbour a plan to match-make between Benedick and Beatrice. They arrange for Benedick to overhear a conversation in which they declare that Beatrice is madly in love with him but afraid to tell him; that their pride is the main impediment to their courtship. This act truly applauds Shakespeare's masterful use of drmatic irony as the readers and audience embrace the mischievous pleasure in knowing more than the characters.
Stay tuned for Act III!
