I think that the character that participates in lying the most would be Don John. He lies to make himself look better, and his enemies look awful. Don John is constantly lying to one of his enemies, Cladio, mainly to ruin his upcoming marraige. One example of this would be when Don John decides to tell Claudio that Hero has been unfaithful, just to spite him. He converses how far he would go to ruin the marriage when he says to Borachio, "Only to despite them, I will endeavour any thing" (II.2.27). Because Borachio was also in on the plan, he too participates in lying. In my opinion, lying to make yourself look better is wrong and unethical.
On the otherhand, Leonato, the Prince, Claudio, Hero, and others also partake in lying. Unlike Don John and Borachio, these characters are lying to bring happiness to people. When the Prince stages a conversation with Leonato and Cladio(in which they know Benedick is overhearing) and says, "What was it you told me of to-day, that your niece Beatrice was in love with Signior Benedick?"(II.3.90-92), this is a lie. Although, when they planned this, they know that in the end, Benedick and Beatrice will be happy, something that doesn't come from Don John's lies.
When someone lies in order to help someone, such as the lies that came from the Prince, it should be morally justified. When lies are created only to hurt or for self-gain, such as Don John's lies, they are morally incorrect and unjustifiable.
5 comments:
I agree with your statement about how if one lies for the benefit of a friend, it should be justified. At the same time though, I think that usually such a lie will catch up to a person which will then lose the trust between them and someone else. (If that makes any sense at all.)
I really liked your analysis. :)
Kelley,
Good analysis and I totally agree with your thoughts! Just because someone lied doesn't mean it was unjust. If they are doing it for the well being of a friend, it is morally justified. That's exactly what I thought when I read the question! Great job!
This was a great post. I have the same thoughts that just because someone told a lie, the lie itself isnt necisarily wrong or unjust. That is if it is for the good of someone. As for natalies comment, i understand what she is saying about the lie cathing up to you, but if the person you lied to or about was meant to be good or beneficial towards then, then they will not necesarily break the trust between the two of them...wow, now im feeling like im not making sense. lol.
Kelley,
I agree with your closing statement that lies are morally justified when someone lies in order to help someone else. But, I think that there is an exception: if someone is hurt from the lie, it is difficult to say if the lie is justified or not. Its sort of a "grey area." Good post!
Kelley,
I compleatly agree with your post. I think that the question of whether or not lying is ever ethicall or morally justified can go in both directions. I liked when you said that lying is bad when you try to make yourself look better and everyone else around you look horrible. Also, I agree that Claudio, Hero and Leonato were only trying to help Beatrice and Benedick with good intentions, but I think they should have been left to discover their love for eachother on thier own! Great job!!
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