Benedick And Beatrice In William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

In this Shakespearean comedy ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ two similarly obstinate characters of Beatrice and Benedick are presented between the rather normal relationship of characters Hero and Claudio. Shakespeare presents Beatrice and Benedick’s obstinacy towards the rather obligatory act of marriage and also their particularly similar personalities that cause reason for their familiar act of squabbling; he does this whilst also presenting two characters that are completely interested in marriage and who are hardly intellectually capable of squabbling in a similar manner. As the play unfolds both characters remain combative with one another but as love becomes the better of them, they begin to reveal that somewhat secretive sensitivity

Beatrice and Benedick as a Couple in William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing 'Much Ado About Nothing' is a Shakespeare play set in Mecina. It is a comedy, about Don Pedro and his friends. The play focuses on the relationships of the characters, especially that of Beatrice/Benedick and Claudio/Hero. The two romances follow two different ideas, one an average romance in Shakespeare's day, the other a not so average romance. Beatrice and Benedick's history together is made clear from the start, when Beatrice tells the messenger bringing news of Benedick's return, that he 'is no less than a stuffed man', implying that he is very full of himself.

Shakespeare couldn’t have picked a better character to add to his play. Beatrice, with her quick wit and humor, is easily the spotlight stealer in Much Ado about Nothing. She possesses many great qualities that the other characters lack and ultimately gets the story going and captures the audience’s attention.

Drama text, Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare is a romantic comedy revolved around marriage, dishonesty and love. In 2007, the original play had been interpreted and adapted into a new film text; Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare Retold. This new film version is an adaption for the modern audience who’s views around love and marriage have changed since Elizabethan times. Brian Percival ‘Retold’ the original play, first published in 1623 by reinterpreting it into his own understanding of modern society with the focus of women’s roles nowadays. Whilst doing this Percival has maintained many of Shakespeare’s intentions.

Differences between Beatrice and Hero in the early scenes of Shakespeare’s play ‘Much Ado about Nothing’

Yet, in the beginning of the book, he was not seen as the heroic kind of person as he was at the end of the book, even if he did fight in a war. On page 72, act four scene one, the Friar says, “Let her awhile be secretly kept in, And publish it that she is dead indeed” (Shakespeare). There were only a small amount of people who knew that Hero was still alive, and Benedick was one of them who kept it a secret. The old Benedick could have gone and ruined the Friars plans to say that Hero is dead. However, he kept it a secret because he knew that it meant a lot to Beatrice. It was courageous of him to keep this from his friends. This plan could have gone horribly wrong, and it could have ruined his friendships. Benedick risked his friendships for another individual. On page 70 act four scene one, Benedick says, “Sir, sir, be patient. For my part, I am so attir’d in wonder./ Lady, where you her bedfellow last night” (Shakespeare). Benedick is so engaged in the situation, that he is asking questions and he is trying to solve the problem that is occurring. He might not be physically brave at this point in the story, but he is mentally brave. Benedick would have never cared about this problem without his change in character. It was valiant of him to stand up and try to make things right, which is a good reason why Benedick is considered a

In Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Hero foil each other. Unlike many character foils where one character is clearly villanos and the other heroic, Beatrice and Hero’s moralities aren’t opposite, but rather their personalities. Where Hero is polite, quiet, innocent, and passive, Beatrice is independent, witty, outspoken, and cynical. These differences in their personalities help highlight their traits and make the play more enjoyable.

Benedick is the type of person who is the ladies’ man and just worried about himself and very carefree. Of the three versions Benedick was true to himself in the David Tennant production. He came off as the carefree single man who did not even think

In Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare depicts both Benedick and Beatrice as characters with one major flaw: both are full of pride. With the use of the masquerade scene, as well as the orchard scenes, Shakespeare allows the characters to realize their awry characteristic. By realizing their erroneous pride, Benedick and Beatrice are able to correct this and not only become better citizens, but fall in love.

Benedick listens to Claudio, Prince and Lenato discussion during the play. Within act two, Claudio indicates, “ Then down upon her knees she's falls, weeps, sobs, beats her heart, tears her hair, prays, and curses”(2.3.155). Therefore Benedick automatically falls for the statements they tell one another especially since they mention how if they were to tell Benedick anything about this he would make fun of Beatrice. Benedick outlook towards Beatrice changes completely he even starts to see her as the love of her life. Bendick was overjoyed by what he found out he expressed himself in act two mentioning, “ I must not seem proud, happy are they that hear their detractions and can put them to mending” (2.3.227).

He continues with another soliloquy after he overhears the news of Beatrice’s feelings. The differences in the tone and attitude of the two soliloquies gives perfect insight to his capricious state of mind. This is comical because immediately before he overhears the three men speaking, he demeans men who fall in love so quickly and foolishly. He scorns at how one man, after “seeing how much another man is a fool when he/ dedicates his behaviors to love, will, after he hath/ laughed at such shallow follies in others, become the/ argument of his own scorn by falling in love” (II.iii.8-11). This becomes ironic just moments later in the play when Benedick becomes the very thing he describes in his speech. Shakespeare included this soliloquy to exemplify Benedick’s indecisive nature, and to show great insight to his internal struggle.

All throughout the beginning of the play, both Beatrice and Benedick use sarcasm and hide their true feelings for each other, which is the first example of tricky in their relationship. Both of them have vowed never to marry anyone; Benedick stating: "Because I will not do them the wrong to mistrust any, I will do myself the right to trust none; and the fine is, for the which I may go the finer, I will live a bachelor." (1.1.232–35), while Beatrice says, "No, uncle, I'll none. Adam's sons are my brethren, and truly I hold it a sin to match in my kindred." (2.1.59–60.) Their friends see that they are the perfect match for one another, and plan to trick them into confessing their love for each other. When Benedick is in the orchard, he overhears Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato talking about how Beatrice is in love with him but is afraid he will mock her if she tells him. Benedick believes them, saying, "This can be no trick." (2.3.217.) He then goes on to say, "I will be horribly in love with her." (2.3.230–31.) Later, Beatrice hears Hero and Ursula talking about how they can't tell her that Benedick loves her because she is a scornful person. After Hero and Ursula leave, Beatrice states:

'No; and he were, I would burn my study' she indicates that she has a

Beatrice and Benedick are interesting due to Shakespeare’s use of language. Confusion is created as to whether they love or hate each other owing to their snide comments, such as Beatrice’s response “A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours” (1.1.104), notably continuing the reference to animals, after Benedick

This statement seems to signify Benedick's apparent state of mind and character at this stage in the play. He makes fun of Claudio for being in love and seeking to marry, which provides opportunity for irony later in the play: his jokes are turned on him by Claudio and Don Pedro when his true feelings for Beatrice are revealed.