1. L.O: To explore the themes of perception &
deception in the play.

2. 
Themes
Perception
1. The ability to see, hear, or become aware of
something through the senses.
2. The state of being or process of becoming aware
of something in such a way
Deception
1. The action of deceiving someone.
2. A thing that deceives

3. Act Two, Scene One
The dance setting of this scene allows for a series of short but crucial encounters between the
different characters. The sense of confusion in this scene is aided by the fact that many of the
characters – with the exception of Don John and Borachio – are masked throughout.
Initially, Leonato, Antonio, Hero and Beatrice appear and comment explicitly on Don John’s
melancholic appearance. Afterwards, Beatrice attacks Benedick showing once more their vitriolic
and combustible relationship. However, Antonio and Leonato warn Beatrice that she is destined
for a future of loneliness and spinsterhood if she maintains the attitude towards men
exemplified in her exchanges with Benedick. In contrast, both men then urge the silent Hero to
be courteous to Don Pedro’s advances during the evening.
As more of the guests begin to arrive, Antonio orders them to wear masks and begin the
festivities. At this point, only Don John and Borachio are without masks. What follows is a
series of brief encounters between the different characters. Don Pedro dances with Hero’
Balthasar and Margaret flirt along with Antonio and Ursula. There then follows a brief
conversation between Benedick and Beatrice. It seems as this stage that Beatrice does not
recognise Benedick who is wearing a mask; in turn, she begins to complain about Benedick's
treatment of her.
At this stage, Don John decides to put his plan into operation. Borachio identifies Claudio (who is
masked) and points him out to Don John. Don John then tells Claudio that Don Pedro has sworn
his love for Hero and desires her for himself. Claudio is left to dwell on the Don Pedro’s alleged
betrayal. Benedick attempts to joke with Claudio about his loss; Claudio leaves in distress.
Benedick then announces Claudio’s feelings to Don Pedro who has appeared. Don Pedro is
immediately surprised by the revelation. In turn, he re-affirms his desire to court Hero but only
for Claudio’s benefit.
Claudio returns and Don Pedro takes the opportunity to make clear to him that – as agreed – he
spoke to Hero only for Claudio’s benefit. Claudio, revitalised by Don Pedro’s affirmation of their
original agreement, expresses his renewed hope and happiness. Hero, conversely, is much more
subdued. Attention then turns to the question of how to find a husband for Beatrice. It is at
this point, and after the departure of Beatrice, that Don Pedro hatches a scheme to unite
Beatrice and Benedick. Leonato, Claudio and Hero all subscribe to the idea and agree to help.

4. Act Two, Scene Two
Don John’s failure to sabotage the marriage of
Claudio and Hero is left to lament his failings.
However, Borachio devises a way that will allow Don
John to disrupt the marriage in the future. He says
that if Don John were to bring Don Pedro and
Claudio beneath Hero’s window the night before the
marriage, he would embrace Margaret to create the
impression that Hero had been unfaithful. Don
John, energised by the idea, promises rich rewards
to Borachio should the plan succeed.

5. Act Two, Scene Three
Benedick, alone, begins to consider the ways that Claudio has changed since his
engagement to Hero. He draws comparison between the man Claudio used to be – in
battle for instance – and the man he has become. Benedick wonders what kind of
woman it would be who might make him feel the same way about a woman.
Benedick’s meditation is interrupted by the oncoming Claudio, Leonato and Don Pedro
who he hears coming towards him. Benedick decides to hide in the arbour to
overhear their conversation.
Aware of Benedick’s presence, Don Pedro asks the musician, Balthasar, to play for
them. Balthasar’s song is deliberately concerned with the central issues of the play
and the ‘games’ that exist between the genders.
Once the singer leaves, Don Pedro, Leonato and Claudio converse loudly about how
much Beatrice loves Benedick. They discern from her behaviour that the reason why
she cannot tell Benedick is because she fears that he will reject her.
Once the men have left, Benedick emerges from the arbour, shocked by what he has
heard. He is then faced with having to reconcile his previously contemptuous view of
marriage with the knowledge that Beatrice is in love with him. Although he initially
admits that he had no intention of marrying anyone – let alone Beatrice – he decides
that he could change for her. It then dawns on him that Beatrice has all of the
virtues of a woman he had previously identified as desirable.
Beatrice then appears to call him for dinner; Benedick attempts to engage her
politely, however, she replies coldly. In the midst of his new-found feelings,
Benedick is left to read love into her words.

6. 
 Don Pedro’s wooing of Hero.
 The exchanges between Benedick and Beatrice.
 Don John’s plan.
 Benedick’s eavesdropping.
How is this shown in
these scenes?