Shakespeare uses the repetition of “a man” in Beatrice's Dialogue, as well as Benedick's switch in attitude, from calming Beatrice to aiding her, to highlight the misogyny and gender expectations of women during this time period. Shakespeare writes, “Oh that I was a man! What, bear her in hand until they come to take hands, and then, with public accusation, uncovered slander, unmitigated rancor --- O God, that I was a man! I would eat his heart in the marketplace.” Shakespeare's usage of “man”, twice, shows the difference between men and women during this time. Beatrice states that Hero was falsely accused publicly, highlighting the severance of her punishment. She addresses that if she were a man, she could take into hand the “unmitigated rancor,” and take revenge on Claudio for the damage he has done to her “kinswomen” Hero’s reputation. …show more content…
Women were considered to not have a lot of power, so if she herself were to do those things, she would not be considered a threat, and no change would occur. This emphasizes the misogyny during this time, as women were supposed to sit back and accept the accusations, and choices of “men,” even when those women know that the “men” are wrong. Multiple times Benedick tries to calm Beatrice's anger, redirecting the conversation and going so far as to say, “Tarry, good Beatrice. On this hand, I love Thee.” In this, Shakespeare highlights the fact that Benedick is seeing Beatrice as being overly emotional, and sees it as his place to calm her down. A common act of men at this time, Benedick does not seek to help her “fight [her] enemy,” Claudio, until begged to, or given something in return. In this case, it would be Beatrice “lov[ing him],” and requesting that he “[u]se her love for some other way than [just] swearing by it.” Benedick then says, “Enough, I am