FRIAR
“Did I not tell you she was innocent?”

• Explanation: The Friar reminds Leonato that he had previously stated that Hero was innocent of the accusations against her. This reaffirms that Hero’s innocence has now been revealed.
• Theme: Justice and Redemption: The Friar’s line reinforces the theme of justice, where the truth is finally brought to light, and Hero’s innocence is proven.

LEONATO
“So are the Prince and Claudio, who accused her
Upon the error that you heard debated.
But Margaret was in some fault for this,
Although against her will, as it appears
In the true course of all the question.”

• Explanation: Leonato acknowledges that Claudio and Don Pedro were wrong in accusing Hero, but they were deceived by the false accusations. However, he also points out that Margaret played a role in the misunderstanding, although it was unintentional and against her will.
• Theme: Mistakes and Forgiveness: This highlights how everyone, including Claudio and Don Pedro, made mistakes based on misunderstanding, and now forgiveness is a central theme as they move toward reconciliation.

LEONATO’S BROTHER
“Well, I am glad that all things sorts so well.”

• Explanation: Leonato’s brother expresses relief and satisfaction that everything is turning out positively after the confusion and tragedy.
• Theme: Resolution and Harmony: This line suggests that the chaos and confusion are coming to an end, and everything is being set right.

BENEDICK
“And so am I, being else by faith enforced
To call young Claudio to a reckoning for it.”

• Explanation: Benedick says that he is glad the situation is resolving, but if things had gone differently, he would have been forced to hold Claudio accountable for his actions (for wronging Hero).
• Theme: Accountability and Justice: Benedick is highlighting the idea of justice and the need to take responsibility for one’s actions, even though it seems the situation is being resolved peacefully now.

LEONATO
“Well, daughter, and you gentlewomen all,
Withdraw into a chamber by yourselves,
And when I send for you, come hither masked.
The Prince and Claudio promised by this hour
To visit me.—You know your office, brother.
You must be father to your brother’s daughter,
And give her to young Claudio.”

• Explanation: Leonato instructs Hero and the other women to retire to a chamber and wear masks, as part of the plan to reveal Hero’s identity later. He also gives his brother the responsibility of acting as Hero’s father during the upcoming ceremony, where Hero will be given to Claudio as his wife.
• Theme: Deception and Revelation: The use of masks here alludes to the theme of deception, but in a way that is now being used for a positive revelation (to unveil Hero’s identity to Claudio).

BENEDICK
“To bind me, or undo me, one of them.”

• Explanation: Benedick is humorously stating that his request to the Friar is serious—either he will be bound in marriage (a commitment) or he will be “undone” (perhaps freed from his bachelorhood or overwhelmed by love).
• Analysis: This shows Benedick’s conflicted feelings, caught between love and freedom. The contradiction between “bind” and “undo” reflects the tension he feels about marriage.
• Language Devices: The contrast of “bind” and “undo” is an example of antithesis, where two opposing ideas are presented together to highlight the tension between them.

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BENEDICK
“Signior Leonato, truth it is, good signior, / Your niece regards me with an eye of favor.”

• Explanation: Benedick admits that Hero, Leonato’s niece, looks at him with favor, suggesting that she has feelings for him.
• Analysis: Benedick is trying to be diplomatic, admitting the affection without overemphasizing it. There’s a certain playfulness to his acknowledgment.
• Language Devices: The phrase “eye of favor” is a metaphor for love or admiration, common in Shakespeare’s works. Here, it also aligns with the larger theme of love as seen through the eyes, both literally and figuratively.

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LEONATO
“That eye my daughter lent her; ’tis most true.”

• Explanation: Leonato confirms that the affection Hero feels for Benedick is genuine and suggests that it was passed down from him, the father.
• Analysis: This shows Leonato’s pride in his daughter’s feelings, as well as his belief in the authenticity of their love. It also subtly references the importance of family ties and the inheritance of emotions or traits.
• Language Devices: The metaphor of “eye” continues, representing not just vision but emotional connection. The phrase “lent her” emphasizes the idea that Hero’s feelings are inherited from her father, suggesting a family bond that binds them emotionally.

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BENEDICK
“And I do with an eye of love requite her.”

• Explanation: Benedick responds that he returns Hero’s affection, reaffirming that he loves her as well.
• Analysis: This is a turning point for Benedick, who has previously been skeptical or dismissive of love. His statement here is a clear admission of his feelings, marking a shift in his character.
• Language Devices: Again, “eye” serves as a metaphor for love. The repetition of this symbol reinforces the theme of love being seen or recognized through the eyes.

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LEONATO
“The sight whereof I think you had from me, / From Claudio, and the Prince. But what’s your will?”

• Explanation: Leonato reflects that Benedick’s knowledge of Hero’s feelings likely comes from him (Leonato), as well as from Claudio and the Prince. He then asks Benedick what he wants, suggesting that they are ready to proceed with something important.
• Analysis: Leonato seems to take pleasure in the idea that Benedick is now fully aware of Hero’s feelings, and he is eager to see Benedick’s intentions. This shows Leonato’s approval of their budding relationship.
• Language Devices: The repetition of “from” emphasizes the network of people who have contributed to this situation, highlighting the interconnectedness of their relationships.

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BENEDICK
“Your answer, sir, is enigmatical.”

• Explanation: Benedick is playfully commenting that Leonato’s answer is puzzling or unclear.
• Analysis: This is a moment of wit, with Benedick humorously challenging Leonato’s words, as they were somewhat indirect. It reflects Benedick’s sharp, sometimes sarcastic, nature.
• Language Devices: “Enigmatical” is a sophisticated word, typical of Shakespeare’s use of vocabulary to elevate the tone of the dialogue. It’s a clever way for Benedick to critique Leonato while maintaining a playful demeanor.

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BENEDICK
“But for my will, my will is your goodwill / May stand with ours, this day to be conjoined / In the state of honorable marriage—”

• Explanation: Benedick is formally stating his desire to marry Hero, making his intentions clear to Leonato. He wants their marriage to be honorable and aligned with Leonato’s approval.
• Analysis: This is a moment of sincerity from Benedick, showing that he has made up his mind about marrying Hero and is seeking formal approval. This contrasts with his previous playful resistance to love and commitment.
• Language Devices: The repetition of “will” emphasizes the theme of intention and decision-making. The phrase “conjoined in the state of honorable marriage” uses formal and almost legal language to elevate the moment and reflect the seriousness of the commitment.

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LEONATO
“My heart is with your liking.”

• Explanation: Leonato expresses that he approves of Benedick’s intentions and is happy with the idea of their marriage.
• Analysis: This shows Leonato’s warm approval and his genuine happiness for the couple. It also reflects the importance of family support in marriage, as Leonato’s blessing is crucial.
• Language Devices: The phrase “heart is with your liking” is a metaphor, using the heart to represent feelings of support and approval. This is a common Shakespearean motif.

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FRIAR
“And my help.”

• Explanation: The Friar, who has been asked to help with the marriage, now formally offers his assistance.
• Analysis: The Friar’s role here is pivotal as the one who will conduct the marriage, but his simple declaration also underscores his support for the union.
• Language Devices: This line is straightforward, showing the Friar’s role as a helper and reinforcing the theme of support and guidance in relationships.

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PRINCE
“Good morrow to this fair assembly.”

• Explanation: The Prince greets everyone in the scene, acknowledging the gathering with politeness.
• Analysis: The Prince’s greeting sets a positive tone, indicating that the events of the day (likely the marriage) will proceed with grace and civility.
• Language Devices: The use of “fair” here is a common Shakespearean way to describe beauty or goodness, and it helps establish the formal yet cheerful atmosphere of the scene.

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CLAUDIO
“I’ll hold my mind were she an Ethiope.”

• Explanation: Claudio humorously says that he would still marry Hero even if she were from Ethiopia, a distant and foreign place, implying that he loves her no matter what.
• Analysis: This is a playful way to affirm Claudio’s devotion to Hero, showing his love is not based on outward appearance but on deeper feelings.
• Language Devices: The reference to “Ethiope” (an outdated term for someone from Ethiopia) might be a humorous exaggeration, showing how deeply Claudio feels for Hero, even though it’s not necessarily a compliment to her ethnicity.

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LEONATO
“Call her forth, brother. Here’s the Friar ready.”

• Explanation: Leonato instructs that Hero be brought forward, as the Friar is ready to perform the ceremony.
• Analysis: This line marks the culmination of the preparations, and Leonato is eager to proceed with the marriage.
• Language Devices: The word “brother” is used here as a form of address, signifying familial closeness and the strong social ties within the group.

HERO
“Nothing certainer.”

• Explanation: Hero is asserting with complete confidence that she is alive and that this is the undeniable truth.
• Language Device: Repetition for emphasis. The phrase “nothing certainer” underscores the certainty of her statement.
• Theme: The themes of truth versus illusion, as Hero clearly differentiates herself from the dead Hero.

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HERO
“One Hero died defiled, but I do live, / And surely as I live, I am a maid.”

• Explanation: Hero contrasts her own purity with the “defiled” reputation of the other Hero who was wrongly thought to have died. She insists that she is alive and still maintains her innocence.
• Language Device: Antithesis—juxtaposing “defiled” (corrupted) with “live” (pure) and “maid” (virgin).
• Theme: Purity and the consequences of slander. Hero’s statement reasserts her innocence in the face of false accusations.

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PRINCE
“The former Hero! Hero that is dead!”

• Explanation: The Prince is in shock, exclaiming that the Hero he believed to be dead is actually alive. His words reflect the confusion caused by the misunderstanding.
• Language Device: Repetition of “Hero” emphasizes the confusion around her identity.
• Theme: Mistaken identity and the reversal of fate.

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LEONATO
“She died, my lord, but whiles her slander lived.”

• Explanation: Leonato explains that although the “dead” Hero died, her reputation was tarnished by slander, which continued to affect her even after her death.
• Language Device: “Slander lived” is a metaphor implying that false accusations lingered, even after the death of the person they were about.
• Theme: The enduring power of reputation and how lies can continue to affect a person’s life even after death.

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FRIAR
“All this amazement can I qualify, / When after that the holy rites are ended, / I’ll tell you largely of fair Hero’s death.”

• Explanation: The Friar promises to explain the entire situation after the ceremony, indicating that the truth will soon be revealed.
• Language Device: Formal tone and diction with “qualify” meaning “explain” or “resolve.” The promise of a larger explanation adds suspense.
• Theme: The theme of clarity and resolution that comes after confusion. The Friar plays the role of a mediator, ensuring that truth will eventually triumph.

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MEANTIME let wonder seem familiar, / And to the chapel let us presently.”

• Explanation: The Friar encourages the group to treat the situation with a sense of normalcy and proceed to the chapel.
• Language Device: Personification—”wonder seem familiar” makes the miraculous feel less strange.
• Theme: The church’s role in resolving personal matters and bringing closure to the situation.

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BENEDICK
“Soft and fair, friar.—Which is Beatrice?”

• Explanation: Benedick, seemingly surprised by the turn of events, asks to find Beatrice, signaling that he has realized there is something significant happening.
• Language Device: The phrase “soft and fair” is a gentle way of calling for attention, as if to slow things down for clarity.
• Theme: Benedick’s curiosity and the search for truth. It also hints at the evolving relationship between Benedick and Beatrice.

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BEATRICE, unmasking
“I answer to that name. What is your will?”

• Explanation: Beatrice reveals herself, and her words suggest that she is ready to confront whatever is coming her way.
• Language Device: Directness in her response. The unmasking symbolizes revealing one’s true self.
• Theme: Identity and revelation. Beatrice is stepping into the spotlight, revealing her true nature.

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BENEDICK
“Do not you love me?”

• Explanation: Benedick, still puzzled, asks Beatrice directly if she loves him, reflecting his surprise at what is unfolding.
• Language Device: Simple and direct questioning, showing his vulnerability.
• Theme: The theme of love, confusion, and emotional openness.

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BEATRICE
“Why no, no more than reason.”

• Explanation: Beatrice responds by saying she doesn’t love him, though her answer is playful. “No more than reason” suggests that her feelings are rational and not intense.
• Language Device: The phrase “no more than reason” is a playful and indirect way of saying she doesn’t have deep feelings, which creates tension.
• Theme: The complexity of love and how Beatrice, despite her feelings, plays coy.

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BENEDICK
“Why then, your uncle and the Prince and Claudio / Have been deceived. They swore you did.”

• Explanation: Benedick points out that others have believed Beatrice loves him, which creates more confusion.
• Language Device: Irony—Benedick now realizes that their mutual feelings have been misunderstood by everyone else.
• Theme: Misunderstanding and communication. The characters are caught in a web of false assumptions.

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BEATRICE
“Do not you love me?”

• Explanation: Beatrice repeats the question, flipping the situation back on Benedick, suggesting that she may have feelings for him but wants him to admit it.
• Language Device: Repetition of the question highlights Beatrice’s playful teasing.
• Theme: The playful back-and-forth of love and the hesitation to express it openly.

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BENEDICK
“Troth, no, no more than reason.”

• Explanation: Benedick again responds with the same reasoning, trying to maintain his stance but adding humor.
• Language Device: Repetition of previous lines, showing the ongoing back-and-forth.
• Theme: The humor in their interactions, as well as the theme of love that is not openly confessed.

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BEATRICE
“Why then, my cousin, Margaret, and Ursula / Are much deceived, for they did swear you did.”

• Explanation: Beatrice points out that her cousin and Ursula also thought Benedick loved her, highlighting the misunderstandings around their relationship.
• Language Device: Indirectness and irony—Beatrice highlights the deception through the people around them.
• Theme: Deception and the chaos caused by it.

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BENEDICK
“They swore that you were almost sick for me.”

• Explanation: Benedick mentions that others thought Beatrice was ill due to her love for him, pointing out the absurdity of the situation.
• Language Device: Hyperbole—exaggerating the effects of love to a comedic level.
• Theme: The exaggerated nature of love and the humor in how others have misunderstood their feelings.

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BEATRICE
“They swore that you were well-nigh dead for me.”

• Explanation: Beatrice humorously responds that others thought Benedick was so in love that he was nearly dead.
• Language Device: Hyperbole, similar to Benedick’s exaggeration, heightens the comic misunderstanding.
• Theme: The absurdity of love, and how it can be misinterpreted or exaggerated by others.

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BENEDICK
“’Tis no such matter. Then you do not love me?”

• Explanation: Benedick denies the exaggerated claims and asks again if Beatrice truly does not love him, signaling his confusion and desire for clarity.
• Language Device: Directness—Benedick seeks clear answers.
• Theme: The confusion of love and the characters’ attempts to understand each other.

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BEATRICE
“No, truly, but in friendly recompense.”

• Explanation: Beatrice denies romantic love but admits to caring for him in a friendly manner, revealing her playful nature.
• Language Device: Understatement—she minimizes her feelings to maintain control of the situation.
• Theme: The theme of love disguised as friendship and the playful tension between them.

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LEONATO
“Come, cousin, I am sure you love the gentleman.”

• Explanation: Leonato encourages Beatrice to admit her love for Benedick, seeing through her playful denial.
• Language Device: Encouragement—Leonato gently pushes Beatrice towards expressing her feelings.
• Theme: The role of family in encouraging love and resolution.

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CLAUDIO
“And I’ll be sworn upon ’t that he loves her, / For here’s a paper written in his hand, / A halting sonnet of his own pure brain, / Fashioned to Beatrice.”

• Explanation: Claudio presents a sonnet Benedick wrote for Beatrice, showing the depth of his feelings, and adding weight to his love for her.
• Language Device: Irony—the sonnet is meant to prove Benedick’s love, but it also shows his vulnerability.
• Theme: Love expressed through art, and the vulnerability that comes with openly expressing emotions.

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HERO
“And here’s another, / Writ in my cousin’s hand, stol’n from her pocket, / Containing her affection unto Benedick.”

• Explanation: Hero shows a similar sonnet written by Beatrice, proving that she has feelings for Benedick too.
• Language Device: Foreshadowing—these sonnets lead to the final revelation of mutual love.
• Theme: Mutual love and the power of written words in expressing feelings.

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BENEDICK
“A miracle! Here’s our own hands against / our hearts. Come, I will have thee, but by this light / I take thee for pity.”

• Explanation: Benedick realizes the truth and jokingly suggests he is taking Beatrice out of pity, even though he truly loves her.
• Language Device: Humor—he says “for pity” to mask his true feelings, though the statement is sarcastic.
• Theme: The playful nature of love and the tension between outward behavior and true emotions.

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BEATRICE
“I would not deny you, but by this good day, I yield upon great persuasion, and partly to save your life, for I was told you were in a consumption.”

• Explanation: Beatrice teases that she is yielding to him, partly out of affection and partly because she heard he was ill, adding a playful excuse to her acceptance.
• Language Device: Wit—Beatrice combines humor with affection in her words.
• Theme: The complexity of love, combining humor and genuine affection in their relationship.

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BENEDICK
“Peace! I will stop your mouth.”

• Explanation: Benedick, overwhelmed with emotion, silences Beatrice with a kiss, ending the playful banter.
• Language Device: Action—Benedick’s kiss is the resolution, ending the verbal sparring.
• Theme: The resolution of tension in love, where words are replaced by a physical gesture of affection.

PRINCE
“How dost thou, Benedick, the married man?”

• Explanation: The Prince playfully addresses Benedick, mocking his new status as a married man.
• Language Device: Use of “dost” and “how” for a conversational tone, emphasizing the lighthearted teasing.
• Theme: Marriage and change; the Prince humorously reflects on how Benedick, once so opposed to marriage, is now a married man.

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BENEDICK
“I’ll tell thee what, prince: a college of wit-crackers cannot flout me out of my humor.”

• Explanation: Benedick confidently asserts that no matter how much others mock him, he will not let it affect his mood.
• Language Device: Hyperbole (“a college of wit-crackers”) emphasizes the level of wit or teasing that could not shake Benedick’s resolve.
• Theme: Stubbornness and personal integrity; Benedick’s unwavering attitude in the face of mockery.

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BENEDICK
“Dost thou think I care for a satire or an epigram? No. If a man will be beaten with brains, he shall wear nothing handsome about him.”

• Explanation: Benedick dismisses the value of sharp wit or clever words (satire and epigrams), suggesting that intellectual barbs can’t harm him.
• Language Device: Wordplay—”beaten with brains” contrasts physical violence with verbal intelligence.
• Theme: Resilience against verbal attacks; Benedick’s focus on personal resolve over public opinion.

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BENEDICK
“In brief, since I do purpose to marry, I will think nothing to any purpose that the world can say against it, and therefore never flout at me for what I have said against it.”

• Explanation: Benedick acknowledges that his opinion on marriage has changed and refuses to let others mock him for it.
• Language Device: Repetition of “purpose” emphasizes Benedick’s commitment to his decision.
• Theme: Transformation and self-assurance; Benedick embraces his decision to marry despite his past cynicism.

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BENEDICK
“For man is a giddy thing, and this is my conclusion.”

• Explanation: Benedick reflects on the fickleness of men, concluding that he has accepted marriage as part of life’s unpredictable nature.
• Language Device: Alliteration in “giddy thing” emphasizes the chaos of human behavior.
• Theme: The unpredictability of life and human emotions; Benedick’s acceptance of life’s capricious nature.

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BENEDICK
“For thy part, Claudio, I did think to have beaten thee, but in that thou art like to be my kinsman, live unbruised, and love my cousin.”

• Explanation: Benedick humorously acknowledges that he once considered fighting Claudio, but now, since they are family, he refrains, wishing him well with Beatrice.
• Language Device: Humor—Benedick uses exaggeration (“beaten thee”) to playfully refer to his past rivalry with Claudio.
• Theme: Friendship and reconciliation; Benedick acknowledges the bond of family and changes in relationships.

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CLAUDIO
“I had well hoped thou wouldst have denied Beatrice, that I might have cudgeled thee out of thy single life, to make thee a double-dealer, which out of question thou wilt be, if my cousin do not look exceeding narrowly to thee.”

• Explanation: Claudio jokes that he had hoped Benedick would resist marrying Beatrice, so he could push him into a married life and prevent him from being unfaithful.
• Language Device: The word “cudgeled” refers to physical punishment, adding humor to his idea of forcing Benedick into marriage.
• Theme: Friendship and teasing; Claudio is both happy for Benedick but still teasing him about the future of his relationship with Beatrice.

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BENEDICK
“Come, come, we are friends. Let’s have a dance ere we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts and our wives’ heels.”

• Explanation: Benedick suggests that they celebrate with a dance before their marriages, lightening the mood and preparing for the future.
• Language Device: Wordplay—”wives’ heels” is a playful reference to the idea of dancing, where women’s heels might get tired.
• Theme: Celebration and joy; a lighthearted moment to alleviate the tension of impending marriages.

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LEONATO
“We’ll have dancing afterward.”

• Explanation: Leonato suggests that dancing should happen later, possibly due to the seriousness of the occasion.
• Language Device: Simple, practical language.
• Theme: The transition from celebration to ceremony; a move from joy to the more formal aspects of the event.

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BENEDICK
“First, of my word! Therefore play, music.—Prince, thou art sad. Get thee a wife, get thee a wife. There is no staff more reverend than one tipped with horn.”

• Explanation: Benedick insists on music first and humorously suggests the Prince get a wife to cure his sadness, referencing the symbolic “horn” of marriage.
• Language Device: Wordplay on “horn,” symbolizing marriage and the duty of a man to marry.
• Theme: Humor in love and marriage; Benedick teases the Prince about his sadness and suggests that marriage is the cure.

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MESSENGER
“My lord, your brother John is ta’en in flight, / And brought with armed men back to Messina.”

• Explanation: The Messenger informs the Prince that his brother, John, has been caught while attempting to escape.
• Language Device: “Ta’en in flight” uses figurative language to describe John’s capture.
• Theme: The consequences of villainy; John’s escape attempt is foiled, introducing a shift from celebration to a more serious conflict.

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BENEDICK, to Prince
“Think not on him till tomorrow. / I’ll devise thee brave punishments for him.—Strike up, pipers!”

• Explanation: Benedick advises the Prince not to worry about his brother’s actions just yet and promises to help devise punishment for him later. He redirects attention back to the celebration by calling for music.
• Language Device: Playful deflection—Benedick brushes off the seriousness of the news to keep the mood light.
• Theme: The juxtaposition of celebration and conflict; Benedick’s attempt to focus on the positive in the face of a looming threat.

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Music plays. They dance. They exit.

• Explanation: The scene ends with music and dance, symbolizing the joyful celebration before the drama that is to come.
• Language Device: Stage directions encourage a festive atmosphere.
• Theme: A temporary escape from the tension—celebration marks the end of a scene filled with humor, teasing, and lighthearted moments before the seriousness of John’s actions takes center stage.