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CLaudio What man was he, talked with you yesternight, Out at your window betwixt twelve and one? Now if you are a maid, answer to this - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 5
CLaudio What man was he, talked with you yesternight, Out at your window betwixt twelve and one? Now if you are a maid, answer to this. HERO I talked with no man at... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:CLaudio What man was he, talked with you yesternight, Out at your window betwixt twelve and one? Now if you are a maid, answer to this - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
how Shakespeare presents the attitudes of male characters towards women in this extract
Answer
In this extract from 'Much Ado About Nothing', Shakespeare illustrates a profoundly negative attitude of male characters towards women, as depicted through Claudio's harsh condemnation of Hero. His character reflects a duality in the perception of women, oscillating between admiration and disdain. Claudio's words are laden with disappointment, suggesting that Hero's external beauty does not align with her perceived morality. This apparent betrayal, highlighted in his statement, 'If half thy outward graces had been placed about thy thoughts and counsels of thy heart?', conveys a belief that women should embody purity and virtue, which Hero seemingly fails to uphold in Claudio's eyes.
Moreover, Don Pedro's participation in the shaming of Hero underscores a collective male viewpoint that condemns female actions without understanding or compassion. The alliance between characters like Don Pedro, Claudio, and Don John reveals a troubling disregard for Hero's agency, treating her as an object subject to their judgment. The reference to 'liberal villain' portrays a cynical understanding of male interactions; despite claiming a protective stance, they betray their own attitudes of entitlement and possessiveness towards women.
This scene offers a poignant commentary on the societal expectations placed on women, resonating with the larger narrative of the play that critiques these oppressive attitudes.
Step 2
how Shakespeare presents the attitudes of male characters towards women in the play as a whole
Answer
Throughout 'Much Ado About Nothing', Shakespeare delves into the complicated dynamics of male attitudes towards women, often presenting a patriarchal hierarchy that diminishes their value to mere physical beauty. Characters like Claudio and Don Pedro epitomize this outlook – while they exhibit affection towards women, it is frequently conditional. Their dialogues frequently revert to themes of purity, honor, and chastity, linking a woman’s virtue directly to her worth.
Moreover, the play critiques such male perceptions through characters like Beatrice, who defies conventional femininity and openly challenges male authority. In contrast to Hero's passive portrayal, Beatrice stands as a representation of strength and independence, inviting the audience to question the rigid gender roles prevalent in Elizabethan society. Through this juxtaposition, Shakespeare exposes the harmful stereotypes that govern interactions between genders, thereby encouraging a reevaluation of traditional attitudes towards women.
Ultimately, the play ends with a resolution that softens these harsh judgments, suggesting a potential for change in attitudes, however incremental. The reconciliation of the couples indicates a movement towards a more nuanced understanding of gender relations, though the foundational views expressed remain significant throughout much of the narrative.