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Introduction

'How does the relationship between Beatrice and Benedick develop?' '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? ...read more.

Middle

Courtesy itself must turn to disdain, if you come in her presence. Beatrice asks how such sarcasm can die out if Benedick is here to feed it. She believes everyone will turn superior if they meet Benedick. Benedick: Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart; for, truly, I love none. He wishes he could find it in his heart to love the ladies back, but he loves none. Maybe this is because he hasn't met the right one? As viewers we could interpret this remark as a 'hit' on Beatrice. He maybe hinting that he hasn't found the right one yet, because he loves Beatrice so dearly and the right one is she. Beatrice: A dear happiness to women: they would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor. I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that: I had rather hear dog my bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me. Beatrice actually agrees with Benedick at this point. This maybe the only thing that the two of them agree on- their hate for marriage. Benedick: God keep your ladyship still in that mind! O some gentleman or other shall 'scape a predestinate scratched face. He hopes that God keeps Beatrice thinking that way so that men will escape being hurt by her. ...read more.

Conclusion

Once again, Benedick and Beatrice argue about what to do next. During their conversation, Benedick tells Beatrice how much she means to him... Benedick: I do love nothing in the world so well as you... I will make him eat it that says I love not you. This is the first time throughout the film, that Benedick and Beatrice are closer than enemies. Benedick swears he will never marry and never love, but much to the viewers' astonishment, declares his utmost love for Beatrice. In a torrent of tongue-lash and goad, Beatrice then challenges Benedick to kill Claudio because he has dishonoured Hero. Beatrice: O God, that I were a man! I would eat his heart in the market-place Benedick cows before Beatrice's tongue and agrees to do her bidding. Again, we see the 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. ...read more.

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