The symbolic meaning of the unmasking ceremony in 5.4. 52-66, in "Much Ado About Nothing," is to make Hero reborn. Because of the false accusations made by Claudio in front of all Messina, Hero was sentenced to death. She was never actually killed but they made Claudio believe she was dead. When the truth came out, clearing Heros name, Claudio promised to do whatever it took to make things right with Heros father, Leonato. Leonato told Claudio that he wanted him to still marry into his family but he would not see his wife until after they were married. When Claudio unmasked his wife and seen that it was Hero it was a symbol that the old Hero had died being accused of awful allegations, and a new pure Hero was born.
Claudio is also reborn because I believe this is a lesson learned for him. He will now be the type of person that gets all the facts straight before jumping to conclusions. He will not be so naive anymore. Also, Leonato and all of Messina is giving him a 2nd chance, so for them to forgive and forget the past he has to be reborn.
Benedick and Beatrice are reborn at the unmasking ceremony because they are now showing Messina that they are capable of loving another, especially eachother. Im not sure if these 4 characters being unmasked means that these are their "true selves," but I do think the ending was perfect. I believe that Benedick and Beatrice all had these feelings for each other deep inside and it was finally a relief for them to be able to say it out loud. Claudio and Hero were both almost cheated out of love but the story shows that in the end love conquered all.
Claudio is also reborn because I believe this is a lesson learned for him. He will now be the type of person that gets all the facts straight before jumping to conclusions. He will not be so naive anymore. Also, Leonato and all of Messina is giving him a 2nd chance, so for them to forgive and forget the past he has to be reborn.
Benedick and Beatrice are reborn at the unmasking ceremony because they are now showing Messina that they are capable of loving another, especially eachother. Im not sure if these 4 characters being unmasked means that these are their "true selves," but I do think the ending was perfect. I believe that Benedick and Beatrice all had these feelings for each other deep inside and it was finally a relief for them to be able to say it out loud. Claudio and Hero were both almost cheated out of love but the story shows that in the end love conquered all.
Thanks for posting these three blog entries---better late than never. ;-)
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