Shakespeare's presentation of Beatrice in Much ado about nothing

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Name: Akin Asolo Tutor: Steve Jones Text: Much Ado about nothing

                                     

Shakespeare’s presentation of the character of Beatrice in

‘Much ado about nothing’

Shakespeare presents the character of Beatrice in a wide variety of ways, these ways through different aspects of the text, comprise of the Language, structure and form.

Beatrice’s character development is defined throughout the incidents and actions which occur in the play.

Certain views of Beatrice may contain the fact that in a way she has gone from shrewdness to ladylike calmness in terms of her behaviour and actions.

In my opinion Shakespeare’s presentation of Beatrice was and still is an eye opener to the way women were generally perceived and how they didn’t how to conform to traditional values, as shown by the character of Beatrice.

Shakespeare presents Beatrice through Language used in the play. Beatrice’s tone and language use at the start of the play enables the audience to decipher various emotions in the character speech. Shakespeare brilliantly evolves Beatrice’s speech and Language in during the chronological progression of the play in order for the reader or audience to actively acknowledge or see the development in her character. Another important aspect of this technique is so that the audience can appreciate the character even more when he or she is viewed in a different light.

‘’I wonder that you might still be talking signor Benedick; nobody marks you’’

The above statement by Beatrice displays the tone of harshness in her language and speech. Her tone can be said to be scathing, this enables the reader to understand the above situation which constitutes a part of the ‘merry war’ between Beatrice and Benedick.

Beatrice is presented as an independent individual, the most important detail being that she is a woman.

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This is a prime factor in her shrewd like behaviour. Her reluctance to wed is an action which underlines her want and need for independence.

Beatrice’s language varies with the structure of the play; this plays an important role because it shows her character development which means the audience understand her more;

‘’I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow, than a man swear he loves me’’

The statement by Beatrice is very important because Shakespeare shows her reasonably hard spirit, while maintaining her independence through her lacking support for marriage. The descriptive imagery of her ...

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