Explain what you think the ending of the play suggests about the nature of romantic love.
I think that Shakespeare is portraying different views about the nature of romantics love. We have two couples that are tied to each other in totally diverse ways. The first couple, Claudio and Hero, supposedly represents the ‘classic’ romantic love. In which lovers, who have never met each other, just fall in love at first sight. And quickly arrange a marriage in a week. Claudio asks Leonato, not Hero if he could marry her. There isn’t any true emotional attraction, but love at first sight, sudden romance.
On the other hand, we have Benedick and Beatrice. Shakespeare tells us that they have had previous encounters, not always positive ones, as Beatrice would speak not so highly of Benedick at the start of the play, just by hearing his name. And Benedick would too. He would state that he would never get married. Benedick and Beatrice give the impression of a stronger marriage. With the constant arguing and understanding, Shakespeare is displaying a different sort of love, more solid.