Illustration of Hero wearing a mask

Much Ado About Nothing

by William Shakespeare

Start Free Trial

Student Question

Why are Act 2, Scene 3 and Act 3, Scene 1 in prose and verse respectively in Much Ado About Nothing?

Quick answer:

Act 2, Scene 3 and Act 3, Scene 1 of Much Ado About Nothing are in prose and verse, respectively, to reflect character and scene dynamics. Prose is used for comic scenes or characters of lower status, while verse conveys nobility. Benedick's selfish and humorous reaction to hearing Beatrice loves him is in prose, highlighting his comic nature. In contrast, Beatrice's mature acceptance of loving Benedick is in verse, enhancing her dignity.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

This is a very intelligent question. Normally the distinction between verse and prose has to do with the nature of what happens in that particular scene and the kind of characters involved. On the whole, it is the main, noble characters that speak in verse and the more working class characters that speak in prose. However, the main characters will speak in prose if they are involved in a particularly comic scene. Speaking in verse normally gives a character a sense of nobility that those characters who only speak in prose never attain. When we think of these two scenes we can perhaps relate the distinction between prose and verse to the two charcters who are being tricked and their reception of the news.

Benedick speaks in prose because his response to the news that Beatrice is in love with him is rather selfish. He wonders what others will think of him, then feels the need to justify his pursuit of Beatrice in a hilarious manner, making prose a suitable method for conveying his speech. Beatrice however, seems to accept the state of affairs much more readily and does not worry about herself and what others might think of her, determining to change her character under Benedick's love. As such, she comes out of the gulling scene much more maturely, and the verse bestows upon her a kind of dignity that Benedick never attains.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial