Compare Act 2 Scene 3 and Act 3 Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”
During these two scenes, both Benedick and Beatrice are deceived into believing that the other loves them, set up by those closest to them. In one scene Leonato, Claudio and Don Pedro deceive Benedick, and in the other, Beatrice is fooled by Ursula and Hero.
A basic ploy used throughout the conversation between Leonato, Claudio and Don Pedro, is that they make their words very loud and clear so as to make sure Benedick understands the situation fully. The men start their conversation by pointing out the best things about Beatrice; her wit, intelligence and so on. This makes Benedick feel that she, if he could love, would be a worthy lover of his affection. Next they make it clear that Beatrice would never reveal her feelings, that she would die rather than tell him. This makes Benedick believe that no matter what she says about him, it is just to hide her true feelings and he therefore cannot see that she may not love him. Soon after this Don Pedro questions her love saying “May be she doth but counterfeit.” To which Leonato (someone Benedick trusts very deeply) answers “There was never counterfeit of passion, came so near the life of passion as she discovers it.” which confirms, in Benedick’s mind that it is not a trick. By then pointing out Benedick’s faults, they try to make Benedick feel that he is “unworthy so good a lady.” Again they speak of how tormented Beatrice is before concluding their conversation by flattering Benedick with qualities such as “wise”, “proper” and having an “outward happiness”. This gives him the feeling that they are his loyal friends and therefore would never play such a trick on him. The overall effect of this scene proves to Benedick that Beatrice does love him, and makes him feel both more kindly and loving toward her as his interjections in the dialogue show.
