In William Shakespeare's comedy "Much Ado About Nothing", the
Beatrice and Benedick are involved in what could only be called a
relationship. The play is a classic example of this type of
to view one from the outside looking in. This gives us the chance to
of relationship that at one time or another we all have been, or will
Both Beatrice and Benedick are strong-willed, intelligent
that falling in love will lead to a loss of freedom and eventually
them to deny their love for each other and it is only through the
characters in the play that their true feelings emerge. When these
acknowledged, both characters are changed, but the changes are subtle.
neither drastic nor monumental. Both remain who they were before, but
two are one. They gain everything and lose nothing. Whether or not
have bloomed without the help of their friends, we will never know.
In the beginning of the play, Beatrice and Benedick do not seem to
other very much, if at all. This can be seen in Act I; Scene I, (line
BENEDICK: God keep your ladyship still in that mind! so some
shall 'scape a predestinate scratched face.
BEATRICE: Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such a
BENEDICK: Well, you are a rare parrot-teacher.
BEATRICE: A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours.
BENEDICK: I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and
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.
Were the reader to judge the relationship between the characters solely
lines, they would come to the conclusion that these characters much
hated each other. This is most likely not the case. In today's world,
of psychology, we are aware that this behaviour is most likely a cover-
feelings. In fact, many relationships begin with the parties involved
to each other for various reasons. Others may see it, but those
v...