Quote: "I am a plain-dealing villain" - Don John's self-awareness of his antagonistic role provides insight into Shakespeare's character development.

Highlight: The practice of arranged marriages in 16th-century society influences the plot's development and characters' motivations.

Example: Don Pedro's offer to help Claudio by disguising himself demonstrates how deception can be used for both positive and negative purposes in the play.

Definition: Plain-dealing - straightforward and honest behavior, ironically used here by a deceptive character.

Vocabulary: Benevolent - kind and generous in intention and action.

Quote: "Can the world buy such a jewel?" - This metaphorical comparison by Claudio reveals his materialistic view of love.

Definition: Courtly love refers to the formalized system of romantic love between nobility in medieval and Renaissance literature, characterized by specific rituals and social conventions.

Highlight: The contrast between Claudio's instant infatuation with Hero and Benedick's initial cynicism about love demonstrates Shakespeare's exploration of different forms of romantic attachment.

Example: Benedick's transformation from a marriage critic to a potential lover shows Shakespeare's ability to develop complex character arcs.

Vocabulary: Betrothed - formally engaged to be married