Why is Act V scene 4 such an important part of 'Much Ado About Nothing'?

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                                                                                                      Nicole  Gooding  9c

Why is Act V scene 4 such an important part of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’?

        ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is rather similar to other Elizabethan comedies written by Shakespeare. Halfway through many things seem to be going wrong, but everything is sorted out in the end as Antonio shows when he comments, ‘Well, I am glad that all things sort so well’ (V.4, 7)

        ‘Much Ado’ explores the nature of true love and Act V scene 4 sees the marriage of two main characters – Hero, the only daughter of Signor Leonarto the governor of Messina, and Count Claudio of Florence, a companion of Don Pedro the Prince of Aragon. ‘Give me your hand before this holy friar, I am your husband if you like of me’ (V.4, 58-9)

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        Hero was harshly accused of cheating on Claudio, the love of her life, and coldly handed back to her father. It was the outcome of a cruel plan devised by the bastard brother of Don Pedro, Don John. The plan involved Margaret, Hero’s maid, being in her mistresses’ window with a man, tricking Claudio and Don Pedro into believing that it was Hero and that she was just a common prostitute.  

       When the Don John’s plot is uncovered, Hero forgives Claudio for doubting her and recovers her reputation. ‘One Hero dies defiled, ...

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