H/W 27/09/14
How are Beatrice and Benedick presented to the audience in 'Much Ado About Nothing'
Benedick and Beatrice have close connections in the play, Benedick is portrayed to be a staunch bachelor, whereas Beatrice a combative character, also ironically, due to this being set in the Renaissance era, outspoken. Benedick is seen as very misogynistic.
Benedick is portrayed as a misogynistic character to the audience; this is presented on multiple occasions. Benedick inquires if Claudio would, "Buy" Hero. The verb "Buy" suggests that women were seen as objects in the Renaissance era. Claudio responds to Benedick, "Can the world buy such a jewel?" Benedick's response also backs up the point that women were seen to be commodities in his view as he declares you can indeed buy her, "and a case to put [her] it in". The noun "case" shows us that Benedick's views are presented to the audience about his misogynistic sentiment.
David Garrick as Benedick in Much Ado About Nothin...
David Garrick as Benedick in Shakespeare's Much Ad...
Garrick as BenedickBenedick states that all women shall, "Pardon" him. He will do himself, "the right to trust none" explaining that he doesn't trust women.
Beatrice is presented to the audience as being a very witty character, this is shown at the 'masked ball' where Beatrice pretends she doesn't realise that the man in the mask is Benedick. Beatrice's crude comments towards Benedick such as he is the, "Prince's jester, a very dull fool", Incorporating a sardonic tone in order to incorporate excess agony for Benedick.
Benedick is presented as a character that staunchly defends his decision to remain single, claiming he "will live a bachelor" forever. We can tell from the modal verb 'will' that he is in attempt to avoid women at all costs. Benedick's explanation of a perfect women being, "fairâ¦virtuous⦠rich⦠mild" is impossibly perfect, presenting...