“Much Ado About Nothing” (Prompt 1)

One of the most obvious examples of miscommunication in “Much Ado About Nothing” takes the form of Benedick and Beatrice’s relationship. Benedick, the “confirmed bachelor” is engaged in a “merry war” of wit and will with the equally confirmed bachelorette Beatrice. Benedick spurns Beatrice and insults her nearly every time the two meet, seemingly making it quite clear that he loathes her. However, we all know that this is not the case. For whatever reason, Benedick is incapable of admitting to himself or anyone else that he is in love with Beatrice. The reason for this may be that Benedick is simply afraid of his feelings. It is only after he “learns” that Beatrice “loves” him that he begins to reconcile these emotions. This could be that Benedick feared rejection and embarrassment, for if in this “merry war” one of the two combatants admitted to loving the other, well that could be easily exploited and used to hurt the other one’s pride.

Fortunately, neither Beatrice nor Benedick appear to be so cruel, and both are, in fact, in love with each other. But, before either of them could admit that, they had to overcome a mountain of miscommunication. The biggest problem here is trust. Most miscommunication problems stem from a lack of trust. Neither of the two trusted each other with their feelings. Even after the main conflict is resolved and Hero’s honor is restored, when confronted with their love for each other in public, both of them deny it. When Benedick asks, “Do not you love me?” Beatrice refuses to publicly requite, saying “Why no! No more than reason.” Benedick, fearing rejection and further embarrassment, denies his love for Beatrice in return. Once again the would-be couple’s friends are forced to intervene.

If it were not for their pride, there perhaps would not be any miscommunication, as it seems to be a point of pride for both Benedick and Beatrice that they will never fall victim to love. For whatever reason, Benedick takes pride in being a bachelor, so it would take an extraordinary woman for him to overcome this pride, as he “truly loves none.” It is often true that pride can get in the way of proper communication. Many of you surely can remember how difficult it is to admit that you were wrong about something, or that you have had a meaningful change of heart about an important subject. Benedick is going through the same challenge. He fears mockery from his friends, who despite their playful intentions do subtly mock him throughout the story.

Luckily, those same friends also force him to confront his fears and get over his stubborn pride in order to accept what makes him truly happy, Beatrice. Beatrice overcomes her pride and mistrust as well, and when it is made clear in public that the couple loves each other, there is no more left to fear. The only way for Benedick and Beatrice to overcome their fears was for them to be confronted with them head on.