Much Ado About Nothing: Remembering Acts 1 and 2

The Messenger describes Claudio as 'doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a lion'. This is an example of the following language device:

• personification

• antithesis

• argument

• simile

The 'merry war' and 'skirmish of wit' which occurs when Beatrice and Benedick meet suggests their relationship is:

• romantic and loving

• disinterested and bored

• angry and mean spirited

• intellectual, tactical and lively

'In time the savage bull doth bear the yoke'. What is the male perception of marriage here?

• It is liberating and joyous.

• It is necessary and honourable.

• It is boring and tedious

• It is emasculating and crippling.

Beatrice says Hero's duty is 'to make curtsy, and say, father, as it please you..' What was the role of women at this time?

• To obey their fathers and husbands in all things.

• To be independent and strong minded.

• To follow their heart in all things.

• To listen to their friends and by guided by them.

Claudio hears 'ill news' from Don John and instantly believes 'the Prince woos for himself.' This willingness to not fight for Hero and accept his friend has wronged him reflects..

• His gullibility and lack of authentic love for Hero

• His youth and foolishness

• The power of words in shaping our perception and response

• All of the above

'You have put him down..'

'So I would not he should do me, my lord..'

Beatrice engages in insults and inflicts hurt in order to...

• Protect herself

• Feel powerful

• Entertain herself

• Command attention

Don Pedro's plot to bring Beatrice and Benedick together is immediately followed by Don John's plot to tear Hero and Claudio apart. What is Shakespeare suggesting about interference and manipulation here?

• It provides entertainment for others.

• Regardless of one's intentions, it should be avoided.

• Only the rich and royal should engage in it

• Only men should manipulate others.

When Benedick reflects on the change love has wrought on Claudio, he notes Claudio's words are now a 'fantastical banquet, just so many strange dishes'. What does this suggest about Claudio's love?

• It is play acting only

• It is inauthentic

• It is superficial

• All of the above

On deciding to return Beatrice's love, Benedick recognises that, 'A man loves meat in his youth, that he cannot endure in his age.' This means...

• People's attitudes and beliefs change as they get older

• People must change their diet as they get older

• People become more mature and sensible as they age

• People have to get married when they are older

'..here comes Beatrice: by this day, she's a fair lady, I do spy some marks of love in her.' What behaviour is Benedick engaging in here?

• Manipulation

• Trickery

• Self deception

• Plotting