When Don visits Messina with Pedro, the Governor Leonato addresses him with uncertainty saying, “Should you swear, my Lord, you shall no longer be forsworn” (I.1.124), Leonato questions Don John’s loyalty to Don Pedro, and despite the fact that Leonato covers his callous greeting with the welcoming of Don John, his qualms remain clear. Don John notices the distrust aimed at him and responds, “I am not of many phrases, but I thank you” (I.1.127). Through his simple announcement, Don John acknowledges society’s everlasting mistrust of him and presents the audience with a key look into his …show more content…
Don John’s redeeming quality, therefore, lies in his utter honesty, as shown in his announcement, “I’m a simple-dealing villain” (I.3.25). One commiserates with such a sincere villain, but also acknowledges his lack of motivation to change his behavior. At the same time, Don John cannot operate within the society of Messina by acting like everybody else. He is not able to take part in social exchanges like his brother, so instead of cooperating with the society he would rather not interact with it at