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THE DOUBLE WEDDING

The valor and humor of the two old men against the two young ones has especial value in restoring the comic vein. How does this somewhat belated loyalty of Leonato act upon our sympathy with him? Does the forbearance of Claudio and the Prince toward the two men raise our esteem of them or lead to further dislike?

What effect has the mock heroics of their ineffective challenge on Benedicke's earnest championship of Hero? Is the Prince's satiric speech (V, i, 208-209) to be interpreted as complimentary to Benedicke? Notice Claudio's next speech in comment upon it, and explain the implications intended.

What does Leonato mean by blaming Borachio less than the three nobles? How far do you think him justified--the relations of master to man at the time being considered?

Was Margaret to blame? Why did she not make the cheat known? (Cf. V, iv, 5-7 with V, i, 311-314). Is it worth while to spend much time on making all minor details clear?

Is Claudio's consent to a second marriage creditable, natural, or a clumsy expedient which only the entire hollowness of the whole plot of false noting as to Hero renders endurable? Can you imagine any way of acting the part of Claudio that would make it seem attractive?

Do you find it in character at the wedding that one couple says so little, the other so much?

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