Write About How Shakespeare Presents Claudio in This Extract
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) At the start of the play we see how Claudio relies on his friend’s approval on the girl he would like to marry; asking Benedick whether he had “note the daughter of Signior Leonato”. Shakespeare represents Claudio as a conventional young man of the Elizabethan period as he wants to protect his reputation and the way he is seen by others. Furthermore, the fact that he is looking for Benedick’s opinion suggests to the audience that he’s a more naive character than Benedick as he cannot make his own decisions. He also asks this very abruptly, using the word “note”. This implies to the audience that he has a very patronising view towards women as he doesn’t acknowledge Hero as any different from other good-looking woman he may see.
He then further questions Benedick’s opinion on Hero; asking “is she not a modest young Lady?” showing the audience that his friend’s and others view on Hero are more important than his feelings towards her. The adjective “modest” connotes politeness and good manners, indicating to the audience that Claudio is short minded towards women as he will not marry someone who will damage his reputation. This could also suggest that Claudio is selfish as he favours his reputation over Hero’s feelings. Shakespeare may have presented Claudio in typical way to show the Elizabethan audience that men who claim to be idealistic are actually selfish and narrow minded.
Shakespeare represents Claudio as a romantic character as he describes Hero as a “jewel”. From the start, the audience are lead to believe that they will be a perfect match as he is a kind “gentleman” and honourable like “sweet Hero”. The adjective “jewel” shows the audience that Claudio has a passionate attitude towards relationships. This could further show how young and inexperienced he is, as he doesn’t see love from a scornful viewpoint like Benedick. In addition to this, the fact that Claudio as a “jewel”, rather than a person, could indicate to the audience that he sees Hero as an object only to be obtained and desired. Moreover, this loving way of