Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing Essay

In the playwright Much Ado About Nothing, the protagonist, Beatrice, can be interpreted in many different ways. Her attitude and character is portrayed by how she expresses herself and the way in which others view and react to her something that can be construed differently by different people. This essay will review the ways in which Beatrice is interpreted within the performed versions studied, commenting on the way she acts and how others perceive her.

Beatrices character is depicted as the opposite of a typical Elizabethan female. Whilst being feisty and brash, she does not define herself by men and is against the idea of love something very rare during the era when the play was set. This loudness and feistiness can be interpreted in more than one way; while some may argue that she is merely strong-willed and comedic, others may take the view that she is rather self-absorbed and annoying. The film and play version portray Beatrice as the former of these two, appearing more comedic and cheerful than narcissistic and monotonous. This is shown by the way that those around her laugh at her comments, for example, in the conversation in Act 2, scene 1, He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less of a man; and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him (Act 2, scene 1, line 30). However, as there are few stage directions within the text, it is difficult to see whether Leonato, Antonio and Hero find these comments humorous or tiresome, and so the text therefore appears as the latter of the two ways mentioned of viewing Beatrice.

During the film, Emma Thompson plays the role with a very casual manner, as if trying to be comedic, and also show that she is not affected by the lack of love in her life. She dismisses each comment made by her uncle, instead continuing in her mock of men and love. However, this is a faade as she had previously been in a relationship with Signor Benedick and, as found at later in the play, in fact has feelings for him. Eve Best, who plays Beatrice in the globes version, is similar to this manner, however her whole performance is very comedic, whereas the film version can occasionally be quite serious, as seen in Act 4, scene 1. Both portray Beatrice as very light-hearted and easy-going, and this gives the viewer the idea that Beatrice is a very likeable character. While Best appears very lively and active, Thompson is more subdued and not so dramatic. Both characters play the part well, however have a slightly different take on her, and have an interesting relationship with Benedick, who views Beatrice as an annoying and arrogant lady. Beatrice returns this view, however, this changes later on in the play.

It is clear that Beatrice tries to give the impression that she is happy without love and that it would be a bore, as seen when Leonato comments You will never run mad, niece, and Beatrices reply is No, not till a hot January (Act 1, scene 1, lines 83 84). This comment is a prime example of how definite and stubborn she is, and this is important, as it is one of her traits. Beatrice is very guarded and defensive until Act 4, scene 1, where Beatrice and Benedick admit their love for each other. This could be because Benedick has broken her heart before, but also due to the fact that she is insecure that no man likes her, and so she feels the need to be guarded. Beatrice is upset for her cousin and so vulnerable, and she is also confused about her feelings towards Benedick, which adds to her vulnerable emotions. However, even during this scene, Beatrice quickly goes back to her confident self, asking Benedick to prove of his love. Her task set is to Kill Claudio (Act 4, scene 1, line 287), a task, which is not only wicked, but one she is very serious about. This is shown in the movie by a sudden change of music from soft violins during their declaration of love, to dramatic menacing music, and Beatrices face appearing very grim. Beatrice is also very manipulative, as shown by when Benedick refuses the task, and so she subtly accuses him of not being a big enough man, and that she would be in debt to the person who would fulfil the task There is no love in you (Act 4, scene 1, line 291) and O that I were a man! (Act 4, scene 1, line 300). This shows that she is intuitive and clever as she eventually persuades Benedick, even though he seemed insistent on refusing at the start of the conversation. During Act 2, scene 1, Beatrice teases Benedick a lot. Whilst he believes that he has deceived her with a mask, she knows that he is Benedick and so talks of him, pretending she doesnt know it really is him. Why he is the princes jester, a very dull fool (Act 2, scene 1, line 126) shows this mocking manner, which could be perceived as flirtatious. There is also a sexual innuendo of I would he had boarded me, teasing Benedick even further, but also shows a subtle hint of her true feelings for him. On this line, Beatrice bites into an apple, being seductive, and this convinces the reader further of her true feelings.

The proposition Beatrice gives to Benedick, so he can prove his love, also shows the relationship between Beatrice and Hero. It is palpable that Beatrice and Hero have a strong relationship during the film, as Beatrice is very upset for her cousin and is weeping and praying for her. She then shows this love of her cousin even more by her want to kill Claudio, which shows she is ready to do anything for her. Also during this scene, she becomes very angry when Benedick refuses to help her and so throws a pew inside the chapel. This relationship s also seen during the theatre production as the two are always together, however it does not appear as strong as the movie. Beatrice perhaps sees herself as Heros older sister, in both productions, as Hero is often following her around, and Beatrice also tells her what to do about love as seen by the line Let him be a handsome fellow, or else make another curtsey and say Father, as it please me (Act 2, scene 1, line 48). Leonato, however, does not approve of Beatrice leading his daughter in this way, as seen by how he looks worried and not happy when Beatrice mentions the idea of Hero going against his wishes. Leonato acts as a father to Beatrice and so it would be his duty to marry her, if her father is not around. Whenever Beatrice brings up the subject of love or marrying, he always comments on how she would be difficult to marry and how she never will, for example By my troth, niece, thou wilt never get thee a husband if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue (Act 2, scene 1, line 16), which shows his despair with her. Although the text makes this appear as Leonato is quite annoyed with Beatrices attitude, both the film and play make it sound comedic, instead portraying Leonato as if he used to Beatrice and does not mind her attitude.

As a whole, Beatrice can be interpreted in different ways depending on how you interpret the manner in which others talk and react to her and how she herself talks. All of these factors joined together produce an outcome of her character, appearing different in the play, movie and text versions studied.