Benedick

• "My dear lady disdain"

  • alliteration of "d" adds rhythmic quality and contributes to a memorable and playful nature
  • the use of "disdain" in relation to Beatrice highlights the mutual antagonism between them ; their relationship is characterized by witty verbal exchanges and playful insults
  • also suggests he perceives Beatrice as someone who exhibits disdainful or contemptuous behavior towards others ; through out the play Beatrice is known for her sharp wit ,outspokenness and assertiveness ; foreshadows romantic tension and eventual reconciliation
• "My dear lady disdain"

  • despite the negativity of the term "disdain" , the use of the word "dear" before suggests he views Beatrice's attitude with affection rather than animosity ; implies a level of fondness and admiration ,even in thee midst of their banter and verbal jousting
  • choice of words reflect his appreciation for Beatrice's intelligence ,wit and independence which he finds attractive
  • the oxymoron "dear" conveys affection whilst "disdain" suggests contempt or scorn ; the juxtaposition emphasizes the complexity of their relationship
• "I will live as a bachelor"

  • declaration to "live as a bachelor " suggests he values his freedom and independence
  • he may perceive marriage as an encroachment upon his autonomy ,with commitments and responsibilities he's not yet ready to undertake
  • values the ability to live on his own terms without being bound by the expectations or obligations of marriage ; reflects his desire to maintain control over his own life decisions
  • reflects a resistance to social norms and expectations regarding marriage
• • In the patriarchal society of the play ,marriage was seen as a social and economic necessity, particularly for men of Benedicks status
  • Benedicks refusal to conform to these norms demonstrates his independence ,mindedness and willingness to challenge convention
• "merry war betwixt her and Signor Benedick"

  • juxtaposition creates a vivid memorable image emphasizing the playful yet combative nature of their relationship
  • oxymoron highlights the paradoxical relationship , where they engage in verbal sparring and conflict ,but also find enjoyment and amusement in their interaction
• • "merry war betwixt her and Signor Benedick"
  • see themselves as worthy outwitting or equals ; they enjoy the challenge of outwitting each other and engaging in intellectual duels of wit "merry war betwixt her and Signor Benedick"
  • term war suggests a conflict or rivalry but the adjective "merry" implies its not serios or hostile
  • banter serves as a mask for their true feelings and a form of flirtation
• "of noble strain, approved valor and confirmed honesty"

  • In Elizabethan England ,society was highly stratified ,with the nobility occupying the highest ranks ; being "of noble strain" would indicate belonging to an elite class and coming from a respectable and distinguished lineage
  • the mention of "approved valor" evokes the chivalric ideas of bravery ,courage and honor that were celebrated during the Elizabethan era ; these ideas where closely associated with nobility and knighthood ,and individuals were expected to demonstrate their valor through acts of heroism particularly in battle
• • "of noble strain, approved valor and confirmed honesty"
  • "honesty" was considered a fundamental virtue, and individuals were expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in all aspects of their lives
• "of noble strain, approved valor and confirmed honesty"

  • combination epithets (descriptive phrases used to characterize a person or thing e.g. "noble strain" )
  • and parallelism (the repetition of grammatical structures such as "of approved valor" and "confirmed honesty" ) which enhances the rhythm and emphasis of the phrase in order to convey Benedicks esteemed reputation in a succinct and impactful manner
• "Love thee? why it must be requited"

  • Benedicks initial question indicates surprise or disbelief , the realization of his own feelings for Beatrice suggests love has taken over him by surprise.
  • the use of the question mark also highlights Benedicks uncertainty and contemplation regarding his feelings
• • "Love thee? why it must be requited"
  • reflects a sense of confidence and determination in pursuing his love for Beatrice ; by asserting their love "must be requited " Benedick expresses his belief in the inevitability of their mutual affection
  • "must" also implies a sense of obligation or responsibility on Benedicks part to reciprocate the love
  • suggests a sudden shift in Benedicks attitude towards love
• "I do love nothing in the world so well as you"

  • the phrase "so well" highlights Beatrice's central importance in Benedicks life
  • despite any previous reservations or hesitations about love and marriage, Benedick now openly declares Beatrice as his foremost love and priority
  • suggests a significant shift in his perspective and priorities demonstrating his willingness to prioritize his relationship with Beatrice above all else
• • "I do love nothing in the world so well as you"represents a pivotal moment of emotional vulnerability and openness
  • throughout the play Benedick is portrayed as witty ,confident and self -assured but his confession of love reveals a more tender and sincere side of his character