What do you think that the theme of the play is? Remember, a theme is not just a word, it is a whole sentence that conveys the message that the author (Shakespeare) is trying to get across to the audience (you). Find three quotes from the play to support your assertion.

The themes of this play are quite difficult too recognize due to the reason that there is so many different themes. One of the main themes I noticed was the importance of honor and the equality depending on genders. In the story, men can defend their honor while women's honor is based on their virginity and behavior. One of the important quotes include:

 "LEONATO

Well, niece, I hope to see you one day fitted 

with a husband.

BEATRICE

Not till God make men of some other metal 

than earth. Would it not grieve a woman to be 

overmastered with a piece of valiant dust? To make 

an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl?

No, uncle, I'll none. Adam's sons are my brethren, 

and truly I hold it a sin to match in my kinred. (2.1.57-64)" 

In this quote, Beatrice takes about the unfairness in marriage and how men have all the power in the marriage. 

Other quotes that proves the unfairness in marriage and the honor of women is:

"BEATRICE

Hasn’t he proven himself to be a great villain—slandering, scorning, and dishonoring my cousin? Oh, I wish I were a man! He pretended that everything was fine until the moment they were exchanging vows, and then—with public accusation, blatant slander, pure hatred—Oh God, if only I were a man! I would rip his heart out in public and eat it." 

Beatrice speaks about how if she was a man she would defend Hero herself and do only what a man can do.

The last quote is short, but it really proves my theme:

"LEONATO

Hence from her, let her die” (IV.i.153)

Leonato, Hero's father would rather have his daughter died than to have the honor in his royal family ruined.