BEATRICE AND BENEDICK ARE PRESENTED TO US AS VERY MUCH THE ‘IDEAL COUPLE’. HOW DO YOU RESPOND TO SHAKESPEARES PRESENTATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP IN MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING?

The Oxford English dictionary defines the word ideal as ‘the conception of something perfect’ and ‘most suitable’. Although Shakespeare presents them as ideal for each other, Beatrice and Bene*censored* can also be seen as very different people. Their views of love, marriage, courtship and social roles would have been seen as quite unconventional in Elizabethan times. They are a very different couple compared to the conventionally Elizabethan couple of Hero and Claudio and act …

…boundaries of their relationship will be continually redefined and compromised upon. Many critics however, have pointed out Beatrice’s ending surrender to subordinancy to Bene*censored* and her acceptance of her female role in society by Bene*censored*’s ‘Peace, I will stop your mouth’ which shows also Bene*censored*’s frustration at not being able to out do Beatrice verbally and instead forces himself upon her and she yields to him finally. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**