Analyze & Interpret - Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing)

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11-28-12 Period 5 Rough Draft In Much Ado About Nothing (written by William Shakespeare), complicated relationships is one of the major themes. Edgar Allen Poe once said: “We loved with a love that was more than just love.” This quote means that a couple can have many different feelings between the two people involved. Beatrice demonstrates intricate relationships by having her connection with Benedick be much more than just a romantic one. As it is known, the play starts off with an enmity between Beatrice and Benedick due to their clashing opinions and stubborn attitudes. Their quarrel goes as far as personal insults (pg. 15, lines 139-143): Benedick: I would my horse had the speed of your tongue and so good a continuer, but keep your way, i’ God’s name, I have done. Beatrice: You always end with a jade’s trick. I know you of old. A jade’s trick means ending with a foolish or unfair conclusion; jade being an untrustworthy horse tricking the rider by stopping suddenly. Saying “I know you of old” hints that they have a bit of history behind them, but what happened between the two characters before the exposition is extremely vague. Additionally, Beatrice says that she does not want to get married or be in love with someone else. This could be due to many factors: such as insecurity, obstinacy, or generally pessimistic mentality for men. It is most likely the latter option, because of her conversation with Leonato and others at the dance (pg. 41, lines 59-60): 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 of earth. Such a statement is very bold and stubborn. She announces that all men are bad to be involved with, yet has not ever been with one. Thus, rendering her hard-headed, bigoted, and possibly insecure about herself.

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