Key Lines 2
English Lit: AQA GCSE Much Ado About Nothing, topic 4.3.3
“The world must be peopled”
BENEDICK: “The world must be peopled. When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I would live till I were married.”
Religious argument
- More religious argument is used by Shakespeare as Benedick comically tries to save face.
- The idea of procreation first through marriage then the sexual consummation of this act is alluded to when he states “The world must be peopled.”
Earlier dismay
- When Benedick suggests (weakly or humorously) that he did not think he would live until he were married, the audience may be reminded of his appall in Act 1 upon learning of Claudio’s intent to “turn husband” and his dismay at never seeing a bachelor of “three-score (60) again”.
"Fair lady!"
“BENEDICK: By this day she’s a fair lady! I do spy some marks of love in her.”
“fair”
- Shakespeare has Benedick repeat the adjective “fair”, first when Beatrice approaches and again when he greets her (“Fair Beatrice, I thank you for your pains.”).
Contrast
- The complimentary adjective provides a stark contrast to his previous derogatory and insulting language towards her (“Lady Disdain”, “I wish some scholar would conjure her”, “Harpy” etc).
Appearance
- There is a particular irony in Benedick “spying” loving signals from Beatrice.
- Again the idea of appearance not always being what they seem is demonstrated to the audience.