The Development of the Relationship Between Beatrice and Benedick

The Development of the Relationship Between Beatrice and Benedick

'Much Ado About Nothing' is a 16th century Shakespearean story

developed into a film by Kenneth Branagh. This entertaining

love-comedy entangles the viewers' minds with all the ups and downs of

relationships.

Benedick (Kenneth Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson) both swear

never to marry and to live their lives happy being single. But as this

story develops, both are led misled into assuming the other loves

them. Soon enough, sparks are flying and their utmost hate for each

other evolves into love and mutual respect.

Benedick is a smart, witty, good-looking guy. He always has a response

to everyone's comments and likes to finish off the conversation with

the last word. Benedick is the sort of person who believes that

marriage leads to the trapping of men. Therefore, he never wants to

get married and does not know how marriage can be a good thing in

anybody's case.

Beatrice is very similar to Benedick. She is an independent person and

does not like to rely on anyone. Beatrice is a smartly dressed lady.

Like Benedick, she is also against marriage. In one conversation, she

refers to men as 'valiant dust'.

Leonarto: Well, niece, I hope to see you one day fitted with a

husband.

Beatrice: Not till God make men of some other metal than earth. Would

it not grieve a woman to be overmastered with a pierce of valiant

dust? To make an account of her life to a clod of wayward marl? No,

uncle, I'll none'

Benedick and Beatrice both have very strong personalities and for a

while it keeps them from coming together. Both of them dislike the

idea of marriage,...

... middle of paper ...

... once enemies, agreeing. It is not often we see both

these people in a civilised manner towards one another. At this point,

we as viewers, suspect something may be about to happen. We feel they

both love each other, but have too much of a reputation as enemies to

declare it. Benedick as confided with Beatrice about his feelings, now

there is Beatrice to do the same.

Leonarto asks Claudio to marry his 'niece' in repayment of Hero's

death. Claudio agrees. Much to his amazement and delight, when the

mask is removed off the lady to marry, he discovers it is hero.

Benedick asks Beatrice if she will marry him and after some arguing,

she agrees- proof that their enmity for each other has softened and

their love for each other has quickened. The joyful lovers all have a

merry dance before they celebrate their double wedding.