When Leonato first starts off, he uses the pronoun “you” of which signals distance but still implies that they are of the same rank. As the text progresses, he starts to say “marry thou, thou dissembler, thou… fear thee not” which signals a tone change. In Shakespearean (and older) times, this could have either meant friendliness or superiority but as Leonato is outraged, superiority is implied. This gives the reader the feeling that Leonato “dominates” over Claudio.
Lines 58 through 71 show us how Leonato is able to put on an act and what he is willing to give for his daughter. However, his actions give the audience a mixed impression of Leonato. For at first, Leonato himself despised Hero and now, he says, “Thou hast wronged mine innocent child” to make it seem as if he had never doubted Hero from the start. “Lies buried with her ancestors… in a tomb where scandal never slept” once again reinforces the innocence of Hero, despite what he had said earlier on. The powerful and emotive language, of which often refers to suffering and death helps to convey the strength of each character’s emotions.
Leonato, of whom was already plotting revenge, has his anger spike up as he sees the uncaring Claudio and Don Pedro. Despite all that has happened, Leonato challenges Claudio to a duel, regardless of “his [Claudio] nice fence, and his active practicehood”. This leaves the reader with the impression that Leonato is risking a lot (especially if Claudio accepted) to prove his daughter’s innocence. Leonato has much courage as it is clearly shown how is he outmatched. As Don Pedro tries to dismiss Leonato, he refuses, “I will be heard”. This statement shows Leonato’s determination and persistence until Hero’s name is cleared. Claudio’s arrogance and Don Pedro’s dismissiveness helps to increase our sympathy for Leonato.
Leonato feels as if this is his battle for when Antonio is outraged and challenges them, Leonato restates “brother” in order to prevent Antonio from carrying on. The reader is then able to see how it was not supposed to go this far. Also, if Antonio fought for Hero, it would look bad on Leonato’s side as Antonio is more determined to help her rather than Leonato is willing. This is significant as Leonato cares deeply for what people think of him.
Overall, the reader will be left confused by Leonato as his actions and words regularly contradict one another. One moment, he’s ashamed by Hero and the next, he challenges Claudio to a duel to prove her innocence. But one thing for sure is how others view Leonato weighs heavily on his conscience.
