Characters in both Much Ado About Nothing and The Tempest use deceit to help two people fall in love.
First, in Much Ado About Nothing, Don Pedro and Hero act as masters of deception in enamoring Benedict and Beatrice. Everyone knows that Benedict and Beatrice are far to recalcitrant to admit and confess their love for one another. This sure knowledge motivates all to join in the somewhat dishonest plan. Hero vociferously has a conversation about Benedict's unwavering love for Beatrice. Don Pedro and Claudio gab incessantly about Beatrice's true desire to have Benedict for herself. Both conversations are done with the intention of being overheard by the lovers. All are excited that their words are "overheard" and that Beatrice and Benedict are suddenly so enchanted with each other. Benedict eventually asks for Beatrice's hand in marriage. In my opinion, this deception was done with the best of intentions, and everyone ended up happy.
The shipwreck in Act I, Scene 1, in a 1797 engravi...
Prospero and Miranda from a painting by William Ma...
Painting after Shakespeares »The Tempest«Moreover, Prospero, in The Tempest, is dishonest with Ferdinand as a part of his plan to unite Miranda and Ferdinand. Prospero is extremely sage, and his intelligence leads him to devise this wonderful scheme. Prospero allows Ferdinand to believe that his father is dead to catch him at his most vulnerable moment. Also, he makes Ferdinand work and slave. This way, not only would Miranda feel sympathy, but she would also go speak with Ferdinand. Miranda and Ferdinand feel madly in love and rejoiced in happiness. Prospero pretended not to know or care, but he was bubbling inside with excitement. His brilliant plan had been successful! This use of deception also brings about love and happiness.
The deception in these two literary works leads me to wonder, "Is lying always wrong?" I think that with good intentions, deception can sometimes be beneficial.