Liar Liar Pants on Fire!

There are two kinds of lies: little white lies and LIES. Both are used throughout William Shakespeare's play, Much Ado About Nothing. Claudio, Don Pedro and Leonato tell a series of white lies when they are speaking together in the garden trying to be overheard by Benedick.
Don Pedro says, "Come hither, Leonato. What was it you told me of today, that your niece Beatrice was in love with Signor Benedick?" (II.3. 72-73). Although Beatrice has no such feelings for Benedick, Don Pedro is simply saying this so that the two will grow to like eachother and stop quarelling. In my opinion, this is simply a white lie since it will improve dynamics between Benedick and Beatrice. Consequelty, they may fall in love, and there's always room for more love in a person's life. In this case, the men's lying can be morally justified since they are only trying to help their friend.
However, Don John and Borachio's lies are not so innocent. They are motivated by revenge instead of spreading love. When Don John asks Borachio how he will be able to hurt Claudio and ruin his marriage with Hero, Borachio responds, " Not honestly, my lord, but so covertly that no dishonesty shall appear in me" (II.2.8-9). The two men go on to devise a plan to break apart Hero and Claudio by making it appear as if she is unfaithful to him. Since the villains are only motivated by self gain, and their lies will bring no joy or peace to the household, their dishonesty is immoral.
Concerning real life examples, lying is not okay when you are delibrately trying to hurt someone, like stealing money from your brother and denying it, or telling your friend you saw her bouyfriend cheeting on her just so they will break up and you can date him. However, there are some cases when lying is okay. If your best friend is having a party and you know it means a lot to her that you be there, I think it's okay to lie to your mom and tell her you're going to a study session since your friend really needs to at her party.