Much Ado About Nothing: Act 4.1 Study Guide
Act 4 opens with the wedding of Hero and Claudio. When the Friar asks Claudio if he came "to marry this lady", Claudio quickly replies, "______". Leonato assumes Claudio is playing on words and clarifies that Claudio has come to be married to her. They proceed with the ceremony. Claudio asks Hero if she knows of any reason not to marry and eventually asks Leonato to take Hero back. He tells him "She knows the ______of a ______bed. Her blush is ______, not ______." While everyone is incredulous to this revelation Claudio then explains that Hero seemed virtuous but she is really she is "______in [her] blood" and is like an animal that " ______in savage ______." Hero is so shocked, she thinks Claudio is unwell.
The prince, Don Pedro, is asked to speak and he simply says, "I stand ______, that have gone about to link my dear ______to a common ______." Claudio then questions Hero as to "What man was he talked with you yesternight out at your ______betwixt twelve and one?" Hero answers honestly, "I ______with no man at that hour, my lord." Don Pedro immediately accuses her of lying claiming that a "...Ruffian.... confessed the ______encounters they have had a ______times in secret." Don John hastily claims that the ruffian cannot be named. Soon after Hero "______" or faints. Don John, Claudio and Don Pedro all leave.
While Beatrice tends to her cousin, Leonato heartlessly says, "______if the fairest cover for her ______that may be wished for." Benedick urges Leonato, "Sir, sir be ______." Leonato rationalizes his hasty judgment by asking, "Would the two ______lie and ______lie, Who loved her so that, speaking of her foulness, washed it with ______? Hence from her! Let her ______." The Friar contemplates whether this could be true and Benedick admits that they could be misled by ______.
The Friar comes up with a plan. He notes that the men left Hero as she fainted and may assume she is dead. He proposes, "....publish it that she is ______indeed. Maintain a ______ostentation, And on your family's old ______Hang mournful ______, and do all rites That appertain unto a ______." He is hoping that the truth may unfold if everyone thinks she is dead. Benedick agrees with the plan and promises not to reveal their secret. Hero is urged to have patience and hide until the truth is revealed.
Beatrice and Benedick are left alone to discuss the matter. Benedick admits "Surely I do believe your fair cousin is ______." Through a series of puns and word play they admit that they love one another. Benedick admits that he would do anything for Beatrice and she demands he kill ______. Benedick says he cannot kill his friend and Beatrice gets angry. Benedick agrees to challenge him to a duel.