Although set in Messina, Italy, the conventions of Much Ado About Nothing are those of Elizabethan England, where marriage was considered a commercial transaction and where family stability was vital. This idea is explored through the fate of Hero, who has little say in his marriage because his life is dictated by his father, Leonato, "It is my cousin's duty to curtsey and to say, father, as you see fit" (Beatrice - Act2, Sc1, L39). Shakespeare also makes his views on courtly love clear - Claudio falls in love with Hero without saying a word to him but is allowed to marry her by Leonato, only for Claudio to leave Hero at the altar because he is thinking of wrong that she was unfaithful. Béatrice, on the other hand, is not subject to any of these conventions: she is a rebel. Her uncle, Leonato, said: “By my word, niece, you will never find a husband if you are so skilled with their tongue.” She is the opposite of her cousin and best friend, Hero. These are characteristics that make his relationship with Benedick fiery and very unusual for the time. Being a play, the opening scene must attract the audience, hence the quick introduction of this entertaining relationship. Beatrice and Benedick's past is intriguing and the audience is forced to keep watching to find out what happened, as not everything is revealed at first. Their banter is fast, furious and comical, making the opening scene a good start to the play. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay The first clue to their relationship and Beatrice's first sentence comes very early in Act 1, scene 1, at line 23. A messenger has arrived to inform the people of Messina of the arrival of Don Pedro d' Aragon, who has just won a war against his brother Don Juan for their inheritance. Don Pedro is portrayed as the “good guy” and Don John quickly emerges as the antagonist of the play, as the illegitimate son. Leonato and the Messenger are discussing Claudio's exploits during the war, when Beatrice interrupts, showing once again how unconventional and daring she is: "Please, has Signor Mountanto returned from the war or not? The “Signor Mountanto” she refers to is Benedick, another soldier who fought in the war. She uses "Signor Mountanto", meaning "fencer", sarcastically but the fact that Beatrice asks about him and uses this nickname shows her possible affection for Benedick and that there is some sort of past between them. Her nickname also reveals how she views him, perhaps as sharp and potentially dangerous. Beatrice continues to ask after Benedick: “How many did he kill?” – because in fact I promised to eat all his slaughter. » Even though she makes fun of him, Shakespeare shows that she thinks a lot about him. The word “promised” suggests that they have already met and at least talked. The messenger defends Benedick by saying that Benedick is a good soldier, to which Beatrice responds, "And a good soldier for a lady, but what is he for a lord?" This implies that Benedick is good with women but not good with fighting. The way Beatrice says the sentence suggests that she finds Benedick's way with women shameful and may have been a victim of it in the past. We see the first signs of Beatrice's quick-wittedness when she challenges the messenger about Benedick and again how she does it. does not fit the mold of an Elizabethan woman, which could be a result of her parents' absence. In line 45, Leonato tells the messengerthat the verbal fight between his niece, Beatrice and Benedick is a “merry war”. This is an oxymoron which suggests that their fights are good-natured and not too serious. Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick and John first appear in line 70 of Act 1, scene 1. Don Pedro and Leonato – the governor of Messina – greet each other like old friends and it seems that Don John is forgiven as he is welcomed into Leonato's house. Don Pedro sees Hero and asks Leonato: “I think this is your daughter?” to which Leonato replies, "His mother told me several times," but Benedick then interrupts: "Did you have any doubts, sir, that you asked her?" Leonato said: “Signor Benedick, no, for then you were a child.” His interruption of the governor and the prince in their conversation shows how brazen Benedick is and the governor's response confirms what Beatrice has implied about his character as a "ladies' man." This is when Benedick and Beatrice engage in the first fight of their conversation. “merry war”. Benedick calls Beatrice "Lady Disdain", which is obviously mean and disrespectful, but can also be seen as a nickname Benedick has for Beatrice, similar to Beatrice calling her "Signor Mountanto". A sort of tennis match of insults ensues, words coming and going between Benedick and Béatrice. They reflect each person's language and use many metaphors, particularly related to animals. For example, Benedick says, "You are a rare parrot teacher," which could be a gender stereotype, suggesting that she talks a lot. Beatrice responds, “A bird of my tongue is better than one of your beasts,” meaning that she would rather be a bird than an animal like him. Benedick retorts – continuing the use of animal imagery – “I would that my horse had the speed of thy tongue, and therefore a good continuator: but keep thy way as the name of God. I did. Benedick says he wishes his horse was as fast as Beatrice's tongue, he then says he is finished. “You always end with something jade: I’ve known you for a long time,” says Beatrice, “I’ve known you for a long time,” confirming that the two have a history. In my opinion, the way they bicker seems to be practiced and familiar, they seem to do it out of habit and it seems like a routine, which is, in a way, like many already married couples. Shakespeare constructs Benedick and Beatrice. relationship from the beginning by incorporating clues about their views on love and marriage, Benedick says, "If I (fall in love), hang me in a bottle like a cat and shoot me, and whoever strike, let him be struck on the shoulder and called Adam.” Benedick's conversation with Claudio in Act 1, Scene 1, is then mirrored in Act 2, Scene 1, when Beatrice describes her ideal man. Both talk about how they will never fall in love or get married, creating dramatic irony because the audience knows that Benedick and Beatrice are fine. These clues make the audience believe that Beatrice and Benedick will be together at the end of the play. Even after Act 1, Scene 1, the comedy in the relationship between Benedick and Beatrice continues. For example, at the masked ball, Beatrice speaks to the masked Benedick and says to him: "Why is he the prince's jester, a very annoying fool?" She seems to appreciate Benedick's reaction, as if his insults had had the desired effect. He believes that she does not know that she was speaking to him and Benedick tells the prince that he is hurt by her words; “Every stab wound hurts.” If he didn't care about her, he would be less insulted by her insults. Also in Act 2, Scene 1, Don Pedro asks.