A merry war: Benedick and Beatrice in Act 1 Scene 1

We will focus on AO1 and AO2.

In today's lesson we will be considering what we mean by 'drama' and by 'comedy'. We will also be studying the opening of "Much Ado About Nothing" to try to understand how Shakespeare presents Benedick and Beatrice to us.

The meaning of comedy as drama
In small groups, brainstorm what you understand by the words 'drama' and 'comedy'. Think about:

Drama

• What distinguishes drama from, for example prose?
• What resources does a dramatist have at his or her disposal to tell their story that a prose writer does not have (e.g. costume)
• What are some of the ingredients we should expect to find in a successful drama?
• What drama is popular today on television/in film?
• What features of Shakespeare's drama are you familiar with?
• How many of Shakespeare's plays can you name?

 Comedy

• What ingredients might we expect in a comedy?
• What kinds of comedy can you think of?
• What is the appeal of comedy over tragedy?
• What kinds of comedy are popular today on television?
• Can you name any?
• Can you think of any special features of Shakespeare's comedies?
•  How many of Shakespeare's comedies can you name?

Be prepared to share your ideas.

The presentation of Benedick and Beatrice in Act 1 Scene 1 of "Much Ado About Nothing"

In pairs:
What famous couples or lovers from films or literature can you think of?
What characterises their relationships?

 We will be reading scene 1.

The "merry war": In two groups, collect ideas from the scene about Benedick and Beatrice.

What are each like?
What kinds of things do they say to each other when they meet?
What kind of relationship do they seem to have at the start of the play?
How does Shakespeare want us to see them here?
How evenly matched are they in fact in terms of verbal wit?

Select at least 5 quotations by each that you think are interesting and reveal something about their characters. Use A4 paper to collect your ideas.

Now feedback to the class.

We meet Beatrice first and are told about Benedick by her before he enters.
What difference does this make?

Shakespeare's Language

Make notes on Shakespeare's Language:

• The use of animal imagery
• Images of friendship and love

Homework

Summarise what we learn about Beatrice and Benedick in Act 1 Scene 1 in about 500 words using quotations from the script.

Research Shakespeare's Theatre and make notes on what you find out.

Image: Beatrice and Benedick argue in Branagh's production.