In “Much Ado About Nothing,” by William Shakespeare, Beatrice is a significant female character who is portrayed as a strong and independent woman. Shakespeare portrays Beatrice as a character who is smart, witty, and not afraid to express her opinions. This essay will examine the extent to which Shakespeare portrays Beatrice as a powerful woman through her interactions with other play characters and her own actions and words.

First off, Beatrice is portrayed as a strong woman in large part due to her wit and intelligence. Beatrice and Benedick engage in a wittiness duel in the play’s opening scene, putting on display their sharp tongues and quick wit. In Act 1, Scene 1, she says to him, “I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior Benedick. Nobody marks you,” demonstrating her confidence and intelligence in challenging him. Beatrice makes use of her wit and intelligence to her advantage throughout the play.