Much ado about nothing, Benedick character analysis w/Quotes
- Created by: ANISARX
- Created on: 20-04-17 09:59
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- Benedick
- 1. Benedick is one of the main characters in this play and is initially presented as light-hearted and carefree. In his banter with Beatrice he seems quick-witted and arrogant. When talking to his friend Claudio, he scorns love and vows he will never marry. He is portrayed as mature and as having known Beatrice previously.
- 2. However, he appears hurt by Beatrice's sharp words about him at the masked ball and he is quick to give in desire when he overhears his friends discussing Beatrice and her apparent love for him.
- 3. By the end of the play we see Benedick transformed from soldier to lover and he asks for Beatrice's hand in marriage. Their banter continues on less severe terms than at the start.
- 2. However, he appears hurt by Beatrice's sharp words about him at the masked ball and he is quick to give in desire when he overhears his friends discussing Beatrice and her apparent love for him.
- Proud
- WHY?: After dancing with Beatrice at the masked ball he is offended by her comments about him.
- "But that Lady Beatrice should know me, and not know me!" (Act 1, Scene 2)
- ANALYSIS: Beatrice called him the 'prince's fool' and this hurts Benedick's pride. His offence at her mistaking him shows how full of self he is.
- "But that Lady Beatrice should know me, and not know me!" (Act 1, Scene 2)
- WHY?: After dancing with Beatrice at the masked ball he is offended by her comments about him.
- Changeable
- WHY?: After eavesdropping on his friends in the orchard, Benedick is quick to admit his feelings have changed.
- "When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I were married." (Act 2, Scene 3)
- ANALYSIS: Despite his earlier claims that he would never marry, he softens and changes when he suspects Beatrice loves him.
- "When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I were married." (Act 2, Scene 3)
- WHY?: After eavesdropping on his friends in the orchard, Benedick is quick to admit his feelings have changed.
- Playful
- WHY?: Even when he and Beatrice have agreed to marry, he continues to tease her.
- "Come, I will have thee; but, by this light, I take the for pity." (Act 5, Scene 4)
- ANALYSIS: The love between Beatrice and Benedick seems honest and equal. They do not change their playful relationship after they have admitted their true feelings.
- "Come, I will have thee; but, by this light, I take the for pity." (Act 5, Scene 4)
- WHY?: Even when he and Beatrice have agreed to marry, he continues to tease her.
- Witty
- WHY?: Leonato explains to the messenger that Beatrice and Benedick are both witty.
- "they never meet but there's a skirmish of wit between them," (Act 1, Scene 1)
- ANALYSIS: A 'skirmish' suggests a tussle or fight, which shows us that Benedick and Beatrice are well matched in their cleverness.
- "they never meet but there's a skirmish of wit between them," (Act 1, Scene 1)
- WHY?: Leonato explains to the messenger that Beatrice and Benedick are both witty.
- 1. Benedick is one of the main characters in this play and is initially presented as light-hearted and carefree. In his banter with Beatrice he seems quick-witted and arrogant. When talking to his friend Claudio, he scorns love and vows he will never marry. He is portrayed as mature and as having known Beatrice previously.
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