"Much ado about nothing."

ACT TWO, SCENE 1- line 111- 140. In this particular part, Beatrice and Benedick are at a party, having a casual conversation about Benedick. Since everyone must wear a disguise to the party, there are naturally a few misidentifications. Ironically enough, Beatrice pretends not to know that Benedick is actually himself -as he is wearing a costume mask- and insults Benedick thoroughly. As she speaks to her dancing partner, she says that while Benedick thinks that …

…scene 1 it is an ironic example or misidentification, to thicken the plot. Some may interpret that she does not actually realize it is him, but I say that she knows, and is playing a game to twist with his head. Shakespeare's love stories often have to do with playing games with one another; this is an example of a game Beatrice is playing, which will probably turn out in the romantic way one would expect.