Love
The play sets two contrasting couples side by side. Claudio and Hero fall in love almost without speaking — Claudio asks another man to woo her on his behalf. Beatrice and Benedick, by contrast, have been sparring with each other for years, and come together only when they are both tricked into admitting it. Shakespeare seems to argue that the love that can take the weight of the play's events is the one built on words, wit and equal footing.
How it develops
Act 1: Claudio falls silently for Hero; Beatrice and Benedick begin their 'merry war'. Act 2: the two plots are set in motion, and the first eavesdropping scene converts Benedick. Act 3: the second converts Beatrice. Act 4: Claudio's thin love breaks under one piece of gossip; Beatrice and Benedick's stronger love is tested by 'Kill Claudio'. Act 5: two weddings.
Supporting quotes
- "In faith, lady, you have a merry heart" (2.1)
- "I do love nothing in the world so well as you" (4.1)
- "Kill Claudio" (4.1)
- "I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes" (5.2)