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| | masterae: What's In A Name? |
 | | Names and naming are important to us, both in terms of language (all things have names, and many have proper names), but also of culture. |
 | | During the public disgracing of Hero, Claudio demands that she “answer truly to your name.” Hero’s reply, which is wounded innocence asks “Who can blot that name with any just reproach?” (Act IV sc i) As it is revealed, her name cannot be blotted with just reproach, but is rather darkened with slander. |
 | | Further, when Claudio confronts Hero, Don John says her crimes “are not to be nam’d, my lord, not to be spoke of.” (Act IV sc i) This is the second time “name” is used as a verb in the play, and also adds ambiguity to the charges, which, amorphous, are more likely to stick. |
| www.livejournal.com /users/masterae/37798.html (1598 words) |
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