Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice character analysis w/Quote

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  • Created by: ANISARX
  • Created on: 20-04-17 11:21
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  • Beatrice
    • Outspoken
      • WHY?: Leonato warns her that she will never be married if she continues to be so sharp in the way she speaks.
        • "By my troth, niece, thou wilt never get thee a husband, if thou be so shrewd of they tongue." (Act 2, Scene 1)
          • ANALYSIS: Her outspokenness is regarded as an undesirable personality trait. Women at the time were expected to be discreet.
    • Bold
      • WHY?: She puts Benedick down in front of others.
        • "I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick; nobody marks you." (Act 1, Scene 1)
          • ANALYSIS: Beatrice speaks her mind. When Benedick returns from the wars, she shows her boldness by speaking out against him. She contrasts with Hero who is quiet and well-behaved.
    • Frustrated by society
      • WHY?: She shows her dissatisfaction with the role that society has dictated for women.
        • "O God, that I were a man! I would eat his heart in the market-place." (Act 4, Scene 1)
          • ANALYSIS: She claims she would take revenge on Claudio is she were a man. The repetition of the phrase 'that I were a man' in this scene emphasises her frustration.
    • 1. Beatrice is Benedick's equal, matching his wordplay in the opening scenes with clever retorts and put-downs. Even from the start their lively banter seems to hide deeper feelings of desire.
      • 2. When she overhears Hero and Ursula talking about how Benedick loves her, she is quick to soften and acknowledge her own feelings for her former opponent.
        • 3. She defends her cousin, Hero, when she is accused of being unfaithful and pleads with Benedick to 'Kill Claudio!" She represents the inequality in society at the time, showing how, as a woman, she is unable to take action and seek revenge.
          • 4. In the end she agrees to marry Benedick. though she continues to tease him until he silences her with a kiss.
    • Argumentative
      • WHY?: Benedick greets her with a nickname that means scornful.
        • "What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?" (Act 1, Scene 1)
          • ANALYSIS: The sacrasm implied by this nickname and he question that Benedick offers both show how their relationship is based on their quick-witted arguments.

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