Modern Messina – Our weekly interview for those in the know…
MM: Today we meet one of Messina’s most eligible young ladies the Lady Hero. Welcome Lady Hero, it is very kind of you to join us for the interview today.
Hero: Thank-you very much, it is nice to be here but I don’t know whether anyone will be interested in me.
MM: Well, you are the daughter of our most important citizens, Governor Leonato, so I am sure people will be interested to hear about you. Let’s begin with you telling us a little about yourself.
Hero: Well, as you said, I am the daughter of Leonato who is the governor of Messina. I am very proud to be part of the most important family in the city but, sometimes, it can be a bit of a burden.
MM: Burden? What do you mean? How can being part of this most important family be a burden?
Hero: Perhaps burden is too strong a word but it can be hard being part of Leonato’s family. I feel I have to be on my best behaviour at all times as my father expects me to impress everyone who meets me with my good manners and careful conversation. Sometimes I just wish I could be more like my cousin.
MM: Your cousin? Tell us about her and why you want to be like her.
Hero: My cousin! Where do I start? She is Beatrice who lives with us as her parents are no longer alive. She is everything I am not. She speaks her mind, she is brave and she is very funny with witty remarks which always surprise those who meet her as they seem to think witty remarks can only be made by men! I just wish I could be lively and out-going like her though perhaps not quite as extreme as her though.
MM: Not so extreme? Tell us why.
Hero: Well, I think being so witty and outspoken can put off people especially men so that might be why she is still unmarried.
MM: Why would that put off men do you think?
Hero: I think men find it hard to put up with women who can be as witty and outspoken as them. They think women should be quieter and not answer back too much. I think Beatrice will find it hard to marry because of how she behaves towards the men she meets.
MM: Marriage then? How do you feel about that for yourself?
Hero: I do hope I can find a man who will be kind and loving as well as being the right status for the governor’s daughter to marry. I am a trusting and faithful person I think so I will make a good wife.
MM: Thank-you for sharing your thoughts with us. I am sure everyone wishes you every success in finding a husband who will be as loyal and trusting as you are.