A Change of Heart One would describe love as an intense affection, which may result in a friendship or personal tie. It is an emotion that no one can honestly describe until it is actually experienced. Even though Benedick is a virgin to love, he disagrees with the concept of marriage, in which two people take commitment to each other by sharing a serious relationship. Using two different soliloquies, Shakespeare portrays Benedick's attitude about love before and after the conversation among Claudio, Don Pedro and Leonato. In Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare uses repetition and diction to show how Benedick's feelings toward love change from dislike to desire.
Benedick's first monologue is based on repeated words and phrases. His soliloquy indicates he has extremely high expectations for his ideal woman. He states repeatedly, "yet I am well,"� (26) to convince himself that although one woman may be fair, wise, or virtuous, she only holds one special trait.
Garrick as Benedick
David Garrick as Benedick in Shakespeare's Much Ad...
David Garrick as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothin...By reiterating that phrase, he is constantly telling himself that women will never be a part of his life. Repeating the statement conveys he is determined to preserve his position against women. A single trait will not strike him and cause him to fall in love. The ideal woman for Benedick is represented as someone who must be rich, "that's certain,"� (29) fair, or he will "never look on her,"� (30) and wise, or he will "none."� (29) After stating each characteristic, Benedick uses similar phrases, emphasizing his strict guidelines for the perfect woman. He presents an image of inflexibility and a fear of falling in love with a woman who does not meet his requirements. Although he may not realize it, Benedick's rigidity causes him to overlook women who could actually be his perfect match. Shakespeare's choice...