Consider how Shakespeare presents the character of Claudio and how interpretations of his character can vary

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English Coursework

01/05/2007

Consider how Shakespeare presents the character of Claudio and how interpretations of his character can vary

Claudio is firstly presented, (though he is not in the scene where this takes place) as a brave, young and fresh addition to Don Pedro’s troops and that he is quickly growing to be a hero and this is commented on by the messenger in the scene.  He is extremely naïve in the early scenes, he has a very simple and trusting view of the world and the way it works, he seems to be flirtatious, making him possibly desperate or genuinely in need of love. However a small part of what Claudio says could make him be seen as an almost sneaky and power hungry individual by the audience. Later in the play, in the scene where Claudio learns his wife has been unfaithful, he could be interpreted as a possibly sensitive and caring individual. However in Shakespeare’s time, men were the dominant sex in society, it was biased, so this allows Claudio to be interpreted as someone who likes to remain looking big, strong, brave and in charge, perhaps making him self conscious. It may be that he thinks Hero is a disgrace to be disloyal to him, “The mighty Claudio” also making him seem “bigheaded” but this was acceptable in Shakespeare’s time as men were supposed to be superior sex as I have mentioned, it was a great offence to dishonour the sex that were almost treated like gods, women had to do as they are told, and as Hero, Claudio’s future wife, had not been faithful and therefore disrespectful, the blame was shifted to her however this was embarrassing for Claudio, therefore his anger was very great, making him seem aggressive. As the play begins to end, Claudio can be clearly seen as a genuine person, as he becomes humble and saddened as a truth is revealed, showing his sensitive side, this also suggests he hides behind an arrogant exterior. Claudio can be seen as Naïve, sensitive, humble, power hungry and a big male figure that sees himself as quite superior therefore making him quite arrogant and self-conscious. The play in comparison with the 1993 Film, (from Renaissance Films, directed by Kenneth Branagh) shows Claudio is presented as a big, brave, young and handsome soldier who is naïve, interested in the possible power that comes with Hero, (not to a great extent however) angry but also largely sensitive and indeed at the end, humble and forgiving. The film tends to focus on the more believable and common emotions shown by people at present.

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In acts one and two, Claudio is firstly spoken of by a messenger who arrives to tell the members of Leonato’s house that Don Pedro and his soldiers are coming. The messenger says, “He is in the company of the most noble Claudio and Leonato says, “I find here that Don Pedro hath bestowed much honour in a young Florentine called Claudio”. These two quotes suggest the Claudio is a new addition to Don Pedro’s Soldiers and that he is quickly becoming famous and indeed a hero. This then suggests he is possibly young, brave and bound to be ...

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