Much Ado about Nothing

June 2nd, 2012
Blog #13

        When Claudio realizes that Hero is innocent, he and his fellow soldiers go to her tomb to express their great sorrow and guilt. He going to re-honor her innocence by saying, "So the life that died with shame lives in death with glorious fame"(5.3.5). Claudio imagines Hero as a heroic "Knight" of the " Goddess of the Knight" who was killed not by swords, but by slanderous tongues." Since Claudio is an excellent young fighter, he imagines Hero as a "Knight" (fighter) who was killed by him. This cruel action against the "Knight" makes him remorse and penitence. Claudio's tribute to Hero's chastity and his vow to commemorate the anniversary of her death convince that he is truly sorry and I think it was not a show off. His public admission of Hero's innocence plus one night's vigil at her tomb is sufficient punishment for him. Even though he is a count he does all the things only because he loves Hero genuinely. Claudios acceptance to marry Leonato's niece, lightened his guilt and also  Leobato's niece looks exactly like Hero. So, he decided to marry Leonatos niece. In my opinion, Claudio made the right choice.