The Oxford English dictionary defines the word ideal as 'the conception of something perfect' and 'most suitable'. Although Shakespeare presents them as ideal for each other, Beatrice and Bene*censored* can also be seen as very different people. Their views of love, marriage, courtship and social roles would have been seen as quite unconventional in Elizabethan times. They are a very different couple compared to the conventionally Elizabethan couple of Hero and Claudio and act very differently with each other in private and in public. Both Beatrice and Bene*censored* would have been perceived differently in Elizabethan times than now. An Elizabethan audience would have seen them as very nonconformist, whilst nowadays we would probably see Claudio and Hero as the more unconventional couple.
             Beatrice and Bene*censored* have been said to be 'the most effective figures' of Much Ado About Nothing. Their wit, although at first seemingly presented as the same, is actually quite different. Intelligent as she is, Beatrice reflects very little of herself in her wit. Instead, she fiercely expels it whenever something inspires her to do so 'I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Bene*censored*- nobody marks you'.
             Bene*censored*'s wit, on the other hand, is presented by Shakespeare as more reflective in its content especially when he is on his own. He reflects not only on himself but also on other people and what they have said of him 'The Prince's fool! - it is the base, the bitter disposition of Beatrice that puts the world into her person' . It is almost as pungent as Beatrice's, with all of the pleasantry. It is, however, a lot less spontaneous, henceforth Beatrice always gets the better of him in their little skirmishes. Bene*censored* makes ample amends, however by spurting out entire paragraphs of jest out of her presence.
             Bene*censored* is known by the other c...