Bibliography
Cook, Carol. “‘The Sign and Semblance of Her Honor’: Reading Gender Difference in Much Ado about Nothing.” PMLA, vol. 101, no. 2, 1986, pp. 186–202.This sources offers very specific and in depth analysis of gender role in “Much Ado about Nothing”. It specifically looks at the characters of Beatrice and Benedick and the implications of masculinity versus femininity in their language, actions, and ideals. This article also focuses on the use of wit and humor in Beatrice and Benedick’s diction, a central component of this argument and paper.
Hillsburg, Heather. “Reading Anger, Compassion And Longing In Beatrice Culleton Mosionier’s In Search Of April Raintree.” International Journal Of Media & Cultural Politics 11.3 (2015): 299-313. Communication & Mass Media Complete. This source offers a unique discussion of how Beatrice’s emotions and anger are conveyed through her diction. The article argues that through Beatrice’s emotional diction, she establishes, prolongs, and creates unequal power relations. This article offers very helpful and specific analysis to understand the relationship between Beatrice’s use of language and her societal role.
Howard, Jean E. “Renaissance antitheatricality and the politics of gender and rank in Much Ado About Nothing.” Shakespeare reproduced: the text in history and ideology (1987): 163-87.This source looks at gender relations in “Much Ado About Nothing” but in a cultural context. The author considers how societal gender roles affect the characterization of female characters in the play. This source also looks at the theatrical presentation of the play in a highly patriarchal and hierarchical society. It was used to provide context to the play and create a larger understanding of the argument and its implications.
McCollom, William G. “The Role of Wit in Much Ado About Nothing.” Shakespeare Quarterly, vol. 19, no. 2, 1968, pp. 165–174.This source discuss Shakespeare’s use of wit in “Much Ado About Nothing” and how it compares to his other plays. The author also considers what the intent of the use of wit is and whether it takes away from the play’s purpose as a whole. Since Beatrice heavily employs wit in her diction, this article is significant in calculating the effectiveness of her language.
Slights, Camille Wells. “The Unauthorized Language of Much Ado About Nothing.” Shakespeare’s Comic Commonwealths, University of Toronto Press, 1993, pp. 171–190.This source was used because it gives insight and analysis to Benedick’s use of language and relates his diction to how he is outwardly perceived. Although this article does not give direct evaluation of the character Beatrice, since Beatrice and Benedick are so similar in the way they communicate, this source is helpful in evaluating Beatrice’s role and perception through her use of language. It is also helpful to have this critical analysis on a male character to compare to Beatrice and have a better understanding of different gender roles.