How Does Benedick Change In Much Ado About Nothing

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Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing: Benedick

In Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, we are introduced to a set of unique characters that, over the course of the play, develop and grow as they interact with one another and change their overall views and opinions on the characters and world around them. A clear example of character development is Benedick, as his perception of love and idea of loyalty shifts throughout the play. When first introduced to Benedick, he is renown for his lack of commitment in relationships as Beatrice tells the Messenger, “He wears his faith but as the fashion of his hat; it ever changes with the next block.” (1.1.60) basically stating how Benedick’s affection towards others is fickle and quick to change. Benedick further proves her statement when he says, “-and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart; for, truly, I love none.” (1.1.111) Only solidifying his belief in that he “-will live a bachelor,” (1.1.214) due to his lack of trust in women and past experiences with romance, which has ultimately jaded his view on love. Along with this, when Claudio falls in love with Hero, Benedick laments, “-after he hath laughed at such shallow follies in others, become the argument of his own scorn by falling in love- and such a man is Claudio.” (2.3.6) During his monologue, Benedick

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