Protofeminism
Which female character in the play speaks out against traditional gender roles?
Beatrice
Which character is the nobleman and prince who helps Claudio win Hero
Don Pedro
"I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me"
I’d rather listen to my dog bark than hear a man say he loves me
A mocking name, likely referencing a fencing term. She’s making fun of Benedick, suggesting he’s flashy but not truly skilled.
Who is the Antagonist?
Don John
What does protofeminism mean?
A belief or idea that supports women's rights before feminism became a formal movement
This character expresses his love for Hero and is deeply affected by the idea of her being unfaithful.
Claudio
"By my troth, niece, thou wilt never get thee a
husband, if thou be so shrewd of thy tongue."
Honestly, niece, you’ll never find a husband if you keep being so sharp with your words
"I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior Benedick: nobody marks you."
I don’t know why you keep talking. No one’s listening.
"She speaks poniards, and every word stabs."
What device is used here?
Metaphor
How does Hero represent the traditional expectations of women in Shakespeare's time?
She is quiet, obedient, and valued for her beauty and virtue.
What kind of relationship do Beatrice and Benedick have at the beginning of the play?
They bicker and insult each other.
"He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man"
If a man has a beard, he’s too old; if he doesn’t, he’s too young. No man is perfect
"What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?"
Oh look, it’s Lady Disdain herself! Are you still alive?
What is dramatic irony?
The reader or audience has knowledge of some critical piece of information that the characters do not have.
How does Beatrice challenge gender expectations in her conversations with Benedick?
She refuses to be submissive and mocks him as an equal
How are Benedick and Claudio different in their views on love?
Benedick mocks love and marriage, while Claudio falls in love quickly.
"A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours."
I’d rather have a sharp tongue than be a dumb animal like you.
"Scratching could not make it worse, an ‘twere such a face as yours were."
Even if your face got scratched, it couldn’t look worse than it already does!
"O Lord, he will hang upon him like a disease!"
What device is used here?
Simile
What does Beatrice mean when she says, "O that I were a man!" later in the play?
She expresses frustration about women's lack of power and the limits placed on them
How does Beatrice describe the perfect man?
A mix of Benedick’s wit and Claudio’s looks
"He is no less than a stuffed man, but for the stuffin"
He looks like a man, but he's nothing more than a shell without any real substance.
"A dear happiness to women: they would else have been troubled with a pernicious suitor!"
It’s lucky for women that Benedick doesn’t want to get married, otherwise, they’d have to deal with him!
"In time the savage bull doth bear the yoke."
What devices are used here? (x2)
Metaphor and personification