# Scene II explained — Much Ado About Nothing

> Chapter companion for Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Don Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick jest about Benedick's melancholy, suspecting he is in love. Don John then arrives and falsely accuses Hero of disloyalty, convincing Claudio and Don Pedro to spy on her chamber that night to verify the claim.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Mistaken Identity

Don John's false accusation of Hero's disloyalty sets up a major deception that will drive the plot.

### Honor and Shame

Claudio's willingness to shame Hero publicly if the accusation is true underscores the importance of honor in relationships.

### Wit and Wordplay

The banter between Don Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick about Benedick's melancholy and love is full of clever wordplay and double meanings.

## Character check-ins

### Don Pedro

Jests with Claudio about Benedick's melancholy and agrees to help disgrace Hero if the accusation is true.

### Claudio

Suspects Benedick is in love and later agrees to shame Hero publicly if Don John's accusation is confirmed.

### Benedick

Claims to have a toothache and is teased by the others for his melancholy, which they interpret as a sign of love.

### Leonato

Observes Benedick's sadness and briefly exits with him.

### Don John

Arrives and falsely accuses Hero of disloyalty, persuading Claudio and Don Pedro to spy on her chamber.

## Key lines

> he hath twice or thrice cut Cupid’s bowstring, and the little hangman dare not shoot at him

He has repeatedly avoided falling in love, and even Cupid is afraid to target him.

_Don Pedro mocks Benedick's resistance to love, using mythological imagery._

> I have the toothache.

I have a toothache.

_Benedick uses a physical ailment as an excuse for his melancholy, but the others suspect love._

> the lady is disloyal.

The lady is unfaithful.

_Don John falsely accuses Hero of infidelity to sabotage Claudio's marriage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/chapters