Much Ado About Nothing Language and Communication Quotes Page 1

Through the play we get used to Beatrice talking with Benedick in a less-than-straightforward way. In this line, she uses a name for Benedick that no one knows him by. Also, this is Beatrice’s first line in the play – it’s significant that her first words are a veiled reference to her concern over Benedick (or supposed lack thereof).

Benedick drops out of the argument because he can’t keep up with Beatrice. The two characters use their language as weapons, but never seem to be able to end or resolve their fights.

Don John doesn’t use language as deftly or frequently as the other characters. He speaks little, and speaks straight. If you wanted to stretch this out, you might argue that Don John is a dangerous character because he’s guarded with his words. All of the other main characters say an awful lot (even if their meanings are a little veiled). Don John, by not saying much, shows that he is concealing something, and is not to be trusted. It’s the "sticks and stones" notion – words can be bandied about easily, and can be forgiven easily too. Don John, however, seems to prefer real harm over intangible words.