Marriage in Much Ado About Nothing and Trifles - Essay Example

?Marriage in Much Ado About Nothing and Trifles Introduction While over the centuries literature has altered greatly in terms of style and form, works that have stood the test of time have generally done so through their profound articulation of universal themes of human experience. One such deeply-rooted theme is the union between a man and woman. The exploration of marriage and compatibility becomes a prominent theme in both William Shakespeare’s 17th century work ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, as well as Susan Glaspell’s 20th century work ‘Trifles’. This essay considers the potential for happiness in the two marriages --– Benedict/Beatrice and Claudio/Hero -- in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. The essay then considers why the marriage in ‘Trifles’ failed. Analysis In examining Benedict and Beatrice’s marriage in Much Ado About Nothing, it seems apparent they there’s great potential this marriage won’t last. While it’s clear that there is a degree of chemistry and compatibility between Beatrice and Benedict, there are also a number of concerns regarding their characters that indicate their marriage may eventually falter. One considers that when Benedict first emerges it is after returning from war. This demonstrates that to a degree he is prone to flights of fancy and adventure. Indeed, as the play advances the nature of Benedict’s character as non-commital and prone to caprices becomes clear. Consider Benedict in conversation with Beatrice early in the play; he states, “I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart; for, truly, I love none” (Shakespeare, Act I, scene i). In these regards, Benedict is characterized as philandering and flirtatious. Conversely, Beatrice appears highly particular in regards to choosing a mate. She notes, “He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man; and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him” (Act II, scene i). This indicates that she is unable to find the right match. While Beatrice appears genuinely concerned with attaining a committed and lasting partnership, it seems likely that Benedict has merely given in to his emotions. Ultimately, it would seem likely that Benedict would grow tired of the committed marriage to Beatrice and seek new adventure. While Benedict and Beatrice’s marriage may be short-lived, the same is not true of the union between Claudio and Hero, which has better prospects for mutual happiness. There are a number of concerns in these regards. Even as Claudio and Hero’s relationship experiences a tremendous degree of strife throughout the play, it appears that the challenges they experienced were a direct result of a strong love and passion that is shared between these individuals. Consider if Benedict had discovered Beatrice having sexual relations with another man. While he would surely experience some jealousy, it would not be in the same passionate way that Claudio experiences it after believing he has seen Hero with another man. In addition, Claudio and Hero’s marriage has a greater degree of structure and support around it. The main understanding in terms of support is that Hero’s family is aware of the marriage and is in favor of the union. Such support is indicative of a union, when faced with challenging circumstances, will be able to fall on family support to ensure continued longevity. This even occurs in the context of the play where Don Leonato is called upon to act as a mediating force in the complications that arise between Hero and Claudio. Finally, the strong love between the two is demonstrated at many instances throughout the play. Consider Claudio when he states, “That I love her, I feel” (Act I, scene i). Such a statement is thematic throughout the play, and although punctured by the obvious conflict that occurs, demonstrates that their union demonstrates tremendous potential and prospects for mutual happiness. There are a number of elements that prevented a good marriage in the play Trifles. The most obvious indicator of the negative nature of the marriage is the murder that seemingly occurred as a direct result. Still, there are a number of more specific elements. In these regards, it’s clear that John and Minnie are to a large part incompatible for each other. Great concern is given to Minnie’s life before marrying John Wright. Referring to Minnie’s life before her marriage to John Wright, Mrs. Hale notes, “She used to wear pretty clothes and be lively, when she was Minnie Foster, one of the town girls singing in the choir" (Glaspell). Such a characterization of Minnie as social and full of life is contrasted with her depiction in the marriage as tamed and slightly despondent. One notes that at the beginning of the play a man who discovered the murder notes that he believes the couple would not be interested in a phone line because John is taciturn and does not seem to care about his wife’s interests. An even more powerful indication of the dysfunctional nature of the marriage is witnessed through the implementation of the dead canary as a central metaphor for Minnie’s condition. Mrs. Hale even describes Minnie in birdlife terms calling her "kind of timid and- fluttery" (Gaspell). While the reason the bird died is not made entirely clear, the death holds a profound significance. This caged bird is symbolic of Minnie’s spirit and soul, which has been in a sense caged through her marriage to John Wright. Minnie’s murder of John then becomes a means of her rejecting this marital dysfunction and freeing herself from this oppressive existence. Conclusion In conclusion, this essay has considered the potential for happiness in the two marriages --– Benedict/Beatrice and Claudio/Hero -- in ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ and investigated why the marriage in ‘Trifles’ failed. The central thorough-put in these investigations is the need for the partners involved in the marriage to have both strong devotion as well as strong compatibility. Ultimately, the marriage between Hero and Claudio will succeed because of these reasons, while the marriage in ‘Trifles’ failed as the couple was unsuited for each other. References Glaspell, Susan. "Trifles: A Play in One Act." etext. N.p., 2011. Web. 7 Dec 2011. . Shakespeare, William. "Much Ado About Nothing." shakespeare. N.p., 2011. 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