Tasks for paired activity Act 2.

1. What does Benedicks speech (lines 8-21) tell us about the typical behaviour of a lover? 2. The expression to note ( lines 5255) can mean to observe. What examples have there been so far in the play of people observing something and misinterpreting what theyve seen? 3. Look at lines 52-53. It has been said that the title of this play has several meanings: that it is Much Ado About (a) Not a lot, (b) Noting, and (c) Nothing ( a term for a womans sexuality). In what ways does the play so far seem to be about (i) mistaking what we think we have noted? And (ii) women, sex and virginity?

Tasks for paired activity Act 2.3

4. Balthasars song ( line 60). How important are the words of the song? Think about the theme o deception and the difference in the behaviour of men and women. 5. The 1993 Branagh film uses the song ( line 60) during the opening titles. What effect does this have on the way we think about the behaviour of the lovers and the things they say about love? 6. Look at the imagery used in lines 90 and 105 to 106 to describe the entrapment of Benedick. How does it relate to Act 1 Scene 1, line 221?

Tasks for paired activity Act 2.3

7. Why doesn't Benedick realise that the men aren't telling the truth about Beatrice? What does this suggest about his feelings for her? 8. Which of the mens statements about Benedick are true ( lines 155185) and which are intended to antagonise him? 9. (Lines 202-225)Benedick has an instant change of heart. What does this suggest about his arlier statements about marriage and his earlier criticisms of Beatrice? 10. Benedicks statement If I do not love her, I am a Jew ( line 240) appears bigoted and prejudiced. What does Benedick actually mean? Think about the association of Jews

Tasks for paired activity Act 2.3

in Shakespeares time with (a) Christs crucifixion and (b) financial meanness.