Much Ado About Nothing Beatrice And Benedick Essay

The Creation of the Romantic Comedy One can not talk about Shakespeare’s play, Much Ado About Nothing, with out speaking about two of the most Iconic characters, Beatrice and Benedick. These two characters are iconic because they are the foundation to creation of the romantic comedy. Their relationship has created a classic arch that has been mimicked by different media since their creation and provide the play with some of it’s wittiest behavior. Their first interaction perfectly sets up their relationship as Beatrice says, “ I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior Benedick; nobody marks you” (1,1,112-3). This remark is making fun of Benedick because he has the tendency to give his opinion even if no one asks for it. Benedick response

They are both witty and want to be the center of attention, so they express themselves to each-other by putting one another down. This interaction between the two characters creates most of the comedy that is found in the play as they continuously deny there true feelings for one another. Their infatuation with one another creates the classic “will they-wont they” relationships found in modern media. Their relationship begins to really take off during the masked ball. Unbeknownst to Beatrice, she is paired with Benedick and begins to fall for him. This creates dramatic irony because the audience knows the truth while Beatrice is left in the dark. Eventually, she learns that her secret lover’s identity and leads to her iconic soliloquy, “What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true? Stand I condemn’d for pride and scorn so much? Contempt, fare well! And maiden pride, adieu” (3,1,107-9). At this point, she is realizes that it is her own pride that has kept them apart and she is finally willing to put that aside to give her whole love to her.

$ Their relationship has created a classic arch in television and film. Many forms of media have taken this “love-hate” relationship and have recreated it. A prime example of this can be found in the film Bringing up Baby (1938). In this film, Dr. David Huxley (Cary Grant) begins the film by hating the annoying and clumsy Susan Vance (Kathrine Hepburn). However, despite the events of the film, that get Huxley in huge trouble and physical pain, the film ends with Huxley confessing his love for Vance, and, much like Benedick and Beatrice, they end up together happily in