Maan summary and analysis

Act 1 scene i page 2

Another purpose of the dialogue between Benedick and Beatrice, as well as that among Benedick, Claudio, and Don Pedro, is to explore the complex relationships between men and women. Both Benedick and Beatrice claim to scorn love. As Benedick says to Beatrice, "[I]t is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted. And I would I could find it in my heart that I had not a hard heart, for truly I love none" (I.i.101–104). Benedick thus sets himself up as an unattainable object of desire. With her mocking reply that "I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me," Beatrice similarly puts herself out of reach (I.i.107–108). Both at this point appear certain that they will never fall in love or marry.

Benedick's disdain for matrimony arises again when he realizes that Claudio is seriously contemplating asking Hero for her hand in marriage. Until this point, all the soldiers have exhibited a kind of macho pride in being bachelors, but Claudio now seems happy to find himself falling in love, and Don Pedro rejoices in his young friend's decision. Benedick alone swears, "I will live a bachelor" (I.i.201). Don Pedro's teasing rejoinder, "I shall see thee ere I die look pale with love. . . . 'In time the savage bull doth bear the yoke,' " suggests his belief that love does conquer all, even those as stubborn as Benedick (I.i.202–214)