I must confess, Much Ado About Nothing is a personal favorite. And why not? Threats, arguing, fake deaths. What’s not to like? It’s a timeless masterpiece, and in my opinion, Shakespeare’s best comedy. Another confession. I love the David Tennant and Catherine Tate version profoundly. It’s not why I made this list, scout’s honor! Please god watch it. There’s a golf cart. It’s what Shakespeare would have wanted. Totally not obsessed. I’m definitely obsessed with Beatrice and Benedick though. Who wouldn’t be?
It’s About the Aesthetic
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This might be my favorite quote in the whole play. Other books – she was mad. Shakespeare – I’ll eat his heart. There’s a lot of good energy there. And nobody doubts her! They’re like, yeah, she’d do that. She doesn’t, but she would. It’s not just that Beatrice defies every gender expectation completely brazenly, she actually gets respect for it! Maybe not as much as she deserves, but some. It’s great.
Asking the Real Questions
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Words can’t hurt you, Benedick. You really ought to learn that before she starts throwing sticks. She does most of the play holding either a beer or a cigarette. Not obsessed. What energy, though. Obviously this is not an accurate quote, in that Shakespeare didn’t write it, but it’s an incredibly accurate quote in every other sense of the word.
Is That a Threat or a Promise?
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God Beatrice, you’re so mean, no one’s ever going to want to marry you! *very quietly* except me. I mean, they’re both mean people, right? In a way where they think they’re serious, but everyone else knows they’re enjoying themselves. Beatrice, though, she’s on a whole other level! She’s the mean one, and there’s bitter competition. Is Benedick mad though? He certainly SAYS he is.
Love is Confusing
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Sure, it turns out to be true, but Benedick believes Beatrice loves him SO easily. He’s like, she told Hero who told Claudio? No more questions. Overheard third hand news is basically gospel. My nemesis is in love with me? It’s so obvious in retrospect! I was being mean because I’m COOL, but she was mean because she loves meeee.
That’s the Dream
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#goals. Seriously. Actually being nice? That’s how Shakespeare characters end up DEAD. No sappy, Romeo and Juliet nonsense for me. The only problem is I never lose. Nothing better than an accidental compliment, though. You really know they mean it, because their only motive was to devastate you, and that’s the worst thing they could come up with.
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