Much Ado about Symbols

For any piece of work to be considered ‘AP’ worthy, it must contain some symbolism. For Much Ado About Nothing one consistent symbol is that of horns. Now, in pop culture today horns may seem irrelevant, and not represent anything specific. In Shakespeare’s time however, horns represent marriage, more specifically a man being forced into marriage. Early in the play, this symbol is established, by Bendick stating:

“The savage bull may; but if ever the sensible Benedick bear it, pluck off the bull's horns and set them in my forehead, and let me be vilely painted, and in such great letters as they write "Here is good horse to hire," let them signify under my sign "Here you may see Benedick the married man.”(MY BOOK IS MISSING IN ACTION, THIS QUOTE IS IN Act I, Scene I)

The symbolism of horns also tied the beginning of the play to the end, giving the play a sense of closure. While at the beginning Benedick uses horns negatively, Claudio uses them in a positive way, stating that Benidick “thinks upon the savage bull. Tush, fear not, man. We’ll tip thy horns with gold, And all Europa shall rejoice at thee”(MY BOOK MISSING, Act V, Scene IV). What Claudio is saying is that although Benedick is marrying, he is not wearing the horns of a whipped man, he is proudly showing golden horns, a sign of honor and goodness. For me, this is what gave the thematic pieces of the story a complete ending. I always enjoy when stories tie back to the very beginning, and this tale uses the same symbols in the opening pages as it does in the closing lines. Horns may not make sense to a modern reader, however after doing a little digging, the symbol reveals its true prowess, and fits perfectly into the play.