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Sample exam question – WJECMuch Ado About Nothing - Sample exam question

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.

Part of English LiteratureMuch Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing - Sample exam question

The question

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?