Much Ado About Nothing Maturity Quotes Page 2

Beatrice seems comfortable with her choice to live an old maid, to the point where she’s even able to joke about the possibility of going to hell (which was assumed to be the final destination for unmarried women). She’s certain there’s nothing actually wrong with her, that she’s earned her place in heaven, and further, she’s happy to be single. This attitude – not of fury, or self-pity – is a pretty mature one, even if it’s a little bit of a front.

Don Pedro is mature enough not to be caught in the drama of deception. Realizing Benedick and Claudio think that he’s stolen away Hero’s affection, he rights the whole situation by simply pointing out that he hasn’t done anything wrong – he will give Hero to Claudio as promised. Thus we learn disaster can be averted by simply being mature and up front.

Benedick trusts that Leonato, as an old and respected man, wouldn’t be in on this conversation if it were a trick. Respect comes with age, though maybe age shouldn’t always be trusted.