The following question will help you prepare essays and practice for exams. Try re-writing each example in your own words, making improvements as you go.
How does Shakespeare present the character of Benedick?
Write about:
how Shakespeare presents Benedick in this extract
how Shakespeare presents Benedick at the start of the play
The extract
BENEDICK
They say the lady is fair; 'tis a truth, I can bear them witness; and virtuous; 'tis so, I cannot reprove it; and wise, but for loving me; by my troth, it is no addition to her wit, nor no great argument of her folly, for I will be horribly in love with her. I may chance have some odd quirks and remnants of wit broken on me, because I have railed so long against marriage: but doth not the appetite alter? a man loves the meat in his youth that he cannot endure in his age. Shall quips and sentences and these paper bullets of the brain awe a man from the career of his humour? No, the world must be peopled. When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I should live till I were married. Here comes Beatrice. By this day! she's a fair lady: I do spy some marks of love in her.
Act 2 Scene 3
Before you go to the next page, make some initial notes on the extract.
Hints
What is Benedick like in this extract?
Which words or phrases show us that he is in love?
How does this portrayal of Benedick compare to the first time we meet him?