Showing posts with label The Wittiest Couple in Shakespeare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Wittiest Couple in Shakespeare. Show all posts

Wednesday, 15 December 2021

The Wittiest Couple in Shakespeare

These are Benedick & Beatrice in "Much ado about nothing." Their charming fencing with words is the highlight of the play. Both are against marriage for most of the play. Benedick says;

"That a woman conceived me, I thank her;

That she brought me up, I likewise give her most humble thanks;

But (to think I will go further), all women shall pardon me."

Beatrice: I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than hear a man swear he loves me.

Benedick: What my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?

Beatrice: Is it possible Disdain should die while she hath such meet food to feed it as Signor Benedick?

When Benedick goes to war, Beatrice has such a poor opinion of his prowess that she promises to eat anyone whom he kills!

Finally, their friends set a trap & convince Benedick that Beatrice is dying of love for him. Then Benedick thinks "If I do not take pity on her, I am a villain."

When a similar game is played on Beatrice, she thinks "Farewell, contempt & scorn,& maiden pride, adieu! Benedick, love on; I will requite you, taming my wild heart to your loving hand."