Much Ado About Nothing - The similarities and differences of the techniques used by the various characters in 'act 2 scene 3' and 'act 3 scene 1' to persuade Beatrice and Benedick to express their love for one another.

The men criticized Benedick. They mentioned some of the bad qualities which he has. Lines 52-54, ‘she doth well: if she should make tender of her love. ’tis very possible he’ll scorn it, for the man (as you know all) hath a contemptible spirit.’ Don Pedro says this to mean that Benedick had a lot of hatred towards Beatrice and knowing this, she would not let her love known to him, to be hurt in return. This would enlighten Benedick to change his ways. This also shows the men’s pity towards Beatrice and they do this again in lines 134-135 ‘…He would make but a sport of it, and torment the poor lady worse.’ ‘It’ represents Beatrice’s love, and also lines140-143,’ I am sorry for her, as I have just cause, being her uncle, and her guardian.’ This also helps to portray Beatrice as being an honourable woman. Praises are given to her throughout the conversation. These were aimed to make Benedick aware of what he would be missing if he allowed this potential love affair to have faded away. Don Pedro said; lines 136- 137 ‘…..she is an excellent sweet lady, and (out of all suspicion) she is virtuous.’  Claudio followed by saying; line 138 ‘And she is exceedingly wise.’ The men did as best as they could to cleverly persuade Benedick and if that didn’t help, they also made the situation seem likely. Don Pedro and Hero’s relationship was the base on which this proof was set and with Hero Being Beatrice’s cousin and friend Benedick was sure to be persuaded. In line 116 Leonato says ‘…..she is beginning to write to him…my daughter tells us all.’ his daughter being Hero. After stating this Claudio then stated, lines 117-118 ‘Now you talk of a sheet of paper, I remember a pretty jest you daughter told us of.’ This reinforced what Leonato had said previously and made it clear who their source of all this information was.

In the same way Beatrice was also persuaded to let her love be known to Benedict. In Act 3 scene 1, Hero, along with Ursula also used similar techniques of persuasion in the presence on Beatrice. The scene was also staged in the arbour and it was Hero’s idea to talk about Benedick in Beatrice’s presence. They began by launching a lot of criticism on Beatrice. Lines 134- 136, ‘…..she is too disdainful’ I know her spirits are as coy and wild, As haggards of the rock.’ Hero stated this in odder for Beatrice to be conscious of this and make an effort to change her ways. Hero continues this criticism; lines 47 -56, ‘…I know he doth deserve, As much as may be yielded to a man……she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, she is so self-endeared.’ Lines 79 -80, ‘It were a better death to die with mocks, which is as bad as die with tickling.’ This meant that if Beatrice were to get into a relationship with Benedick she would make him suffer. This was aimed to make her act upon their words; to get into the relationship and show them, Hero and Ursula that it would work. In spite of all this criticism Beatrice was also flattered. Lines 89 – 91 ‘Having so swift and excellent a wit……’This was aimed to make Beatrice feel confident about herself and release her of the afore criticism. Benedick was also praised throughout this conversation which is similar to how Beatrice was praised by the men in the previous scene. Line 60, ‘How wise, how noble, young, how rarely featured …’Hero said this in so that  Beatrice would see all that she would miss out on if she did not make her move. In the end Beatrice had to be convinced by all of what Hero had said. This was also set on the basis of Hero’s relationship with Don Pedro, who was Benedick’s friend.

Many similar techniques were used to persuade the two characters; however, there were also differences. As opposed to the males version of persuasion, the women, Hero and Ursula did not stress or place much enthesis on Beatrice’s staying up at nights, writing to, and crying about Benedick. Act 2 scene 3 was also a longer scene. It took longer to persuade Benedick than it took to persuade Beatrice. In the end both were convinced; However Beatrice was left ‘floating in the air’. She was willing to let he love known to Benedick. Lines111 – 114, ‘….I will recruit thee, Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand: If thou dost love, my kindness shall insite thee to bind our loves up in a holy band …’ She also makes provision to change her ways to ensure that the relationship works out .