Much Ado About Nothing, Act 2, Scene 2 summary

What happens

1. Don John confirms Claudio’s intended marriage and welcomes Borachio’s offer to prevent it.
2. Borachio explains that Margaret’s affection lets him arrange a nighttime appearance at Hero’s bedroom window.
3. He instructs Don John to accuse Hero of loving him and bring Claudio and Don Pedro to witness staged evidence.
4. Borachio plans to keep Hero absent while he calls Margaret Hero and Margaret calls him Claudio.
5. Don John approves, promises a thousand ducats, and leaves with Borachio to find out the wedding date.

In this scene

What to notice

Don John openly identifies harm as his purpose. His agreement makes Borachio’s proposed deception an accepted plan.

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