Much Ado About Nothing - Questions

Is 'come hither, Leonato' meant for Benedick's ears, or is it meant as a signal to begin the gulling?

Out of the two possibilities, we could suggest both gulling and a message for Benedick's ears.  The message could only be Don Pedro asking Leonato to move closer, but it is most likely to be a signal of the initiation of gulling; as they are gulling they talk louder than needed so Benedick will hear, therefore Leonato does not need to be close.

 

What was it you told me of to-day, that your niece Beatrice was in love with Signior Benedick? Does Benedick react? If so, how, and how much of a reaction?

He would react with shock, his reaction would be large because of course he thinks she hates him, she previously described him as the 'Princes jester'. He may look towards the audience when he reacts.

Is this a moment for audience contact? If so, where does Benedick need to be in order to make the contact? Does he need to move during the previous lines, from one hiding space to another?

Benedick would need to slowly and hesitantly creep towards the conversation as he hears certain words that catch his attention. He should be hesitant as he feels he really shouldnt be listening in on the private conversation however can do nothing to prevent himself from getting drawn into eaves dropping the conversation.

What are Eight 'graces' which Benedick believes a hypotgetical woman must have before he would even consider to marry her? What is the one quality that he is flexible upon?

Rich

Wise

Virtuous

Fair

Mild

Noble

Well Spoken

Musician

Flexible on 'her hair shall be of what colour it please God'.

What one element of the 'gulling scene' seems to convince Benedick that it is no trick?

Leonato is involved. Benedick describes the 'conference' as 'sadly borne' meaning conducted in a serious manner, he also believes they have facts from Hero.

What effect does the news of Beatrice's possible suicide have on Benedick?

He feels it is his duty to requite her love to save her, he realises his love for her and is willing to endure 'wit broken on' him for her.

What is Beatrice's meaning in the message she delivers to Benedick between lines 243-252? What does Benedick think she means?

Beatrice asks him to dinner, she tells him that it isn't a hard task or she wouldn't have done it. Benedick thinks that she means she wanted to speak to him and that she would endure all the pain in the world for him, he now thinks back to everything she's ever said to him looking for new meaning.

Act 3 Sc 1

How does the form of the language is this gulling scene differ from that used in the scene with Benedick? Why the Difference?

• The men make frequent sexual references throughout e.g. 'Between the sheets'
• Very Critical of Beatrice
• Seems almost rehearsed, or at least a similar scene before. (Although, might just be my opinion)

What are three elements found in common in the gulling of both Benedick and Beatrice?

• Fear of rejection
• Incapability of finding their love
• The love is there, self perception

What is unusual about the form of the language of last ten lines in this scene? Why does Shakespeare have Beatrice speak like this?

The structure of the lines is similar to the sonnet form, as it is about love and romance. Beaturice has been enlightened and had a epithany, filled with realisation of her true love for Benedick.