Much Ado About Nothing · Chapter
Scene III explained
Claudio, accompanied by Don Pedro and others, visits the monument of Hero, whom he believes dead.
What happens
Claudio, accompanied by Don Pedro and others, visits the monument of Hero, whom he believes dead. He reads an epitaph praising her, orders a solemn song, and vows to perform this rite yearly. Don Pedro then notes the dawn and suggests they change clothes before going to Leonato's house, hoping for a happier outcome from Hymen.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Shame
Claudio's public mourning and epitaph attempt to restore Hero's honor after her slanderous death.
Appearance vs. Reality
Hero is not truly dead, yet Claudio mourns her as if she were, highlighting the gap between perceived and actual truth.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Done to death by slanderous tongues Was the Hero that here lies: Death, in guerdon of her wrongs, Gives her fame which never dies.”
Hero was killed by false accusations, but death rewards her by giving her everlasting fame.
Claudio reads the epitaph, acknowledging the slander that led to Hero's supposed death.
“Yearly will I do this rite.”
I will perform this ceremony every year.
Claudio vows to honor Hero annually.
“And Hymen now with luckier issue speed's Than this for whom we rend'red up this woe!”
May the god of marriage grant a happier outcome than the one for whom we mourn.
Claudio expresses hope for a more fortunate marriage in the future.