much ado about nothing quotes

'If we can do this, cupid is no longer an archer; his glory shall be ours, for we are the only love-gods.'

Don Pedro -

• gulling of Beatrice and Benedick

• conditional (if we can do this)

• risky, meddling, playing with fate

• unknown outcome

• theme: deception

In the quote, "If we can do this, Cupid is no longer an archer; his glory shall be ours," the speaker asserts their power to redefine love, rejecting Cupid's traditional role. This highlights the theme of human agency in shaping romantic experiences rather than being passive victims of desire

'Can the world buy such a jewel?'

claudio -

• about hero

• link quotation=rotton orange

• Jewels are expensive, rare, status symbol

• virgin, rich

• accessory, he wears Hero like a piece of jewelry

• keep her in a case/box, restriction

• theme: love and courting

• The quote "Can the world buy such a jewel?" suggests the uniqueness and irreplaceability of the subject being referred to, likely a person or a cherished quality. This rhetorical question emphasizes the idea that some things—such as true love or intrinsic value—are beyond material wealth. It highlights the theme of valuing emotional connections over material possessions, inviting readers to reflect on what is truly precious in life.

'Leonatos hero, your hero, everyone's hero'

Don John -

• When Don John gulls Claudio into thinking Hero is a prostitute, this will destroy Hero's nobility and status. Don John only made this plan to spite Leonato, Don Pedro, and Claudio.

• It implies the hero is promiscuous

• tripartite sentence

• theme: honour

The quote "Leonato's hero, your hero, everyone's hero" highlights the theme of communal admiration and the shared nature of heroism in the play. By emphasizing that the hero is not just for one person but for all, it underscores the idea that true heroism resonates within a community. This suggests that qualities such as bravery and integrity are universally valued, reinforcing the importance of collective identity and support in shaping a hero's legacy.

'nobody marks you'

beatrice -

• to benedick

• notices you

• ironic because she is noticing him

• link to title

• theme: noting

The quote "Nobody marks you" conveys a sense of isolation and invisibility experienced by the character. It suggests a lack of recognition or acknowledgment from others, highlighting themes of alienation and the struggle for identity. This poignant statement underscores the emotional impact of feeling overlooked, emphasizing the importance of validation and connection in human relationships.

'kill claudio'

beatrice -

• after Hero's public shaming at the wedding

• similar to Lady Macbeth's character

• shocking moment

• theme: love and honour

The quote "Kill Claudio" reflects deep betrayal and a desire for revenge, revealing the intense emotions of the speaker. This command underscores themes of honor and justice, highlighting how personal grievances can lead to extreme actions. It illustrates the devastating effects of betrayal on relationships and the moral complexities faced by characters when confronting wrongdoing.

'she speaks poniards and every word stabs'

benedick -

• to beatrice

• to stab in French = poniard

• poniard - type of dagger

• praise for being smart and witty which are highly valuable traits

• critisised for being compared to a man fighter. unfemenine

• theme: love

The quote "She speaks poniards and every word stabs" vividly illustrates the speaker's perception of a woman's words as sharp and harmful. The metaphor of "poniards," or daggers, emphasizes the emotional pain inflicted by her speech, suggesting that her words are not only powerful but also intentionally hurtful. This highlights themes of conflict and the destructive nature of communication, revealing how language can be a weapon in interpersonal relationships.

'o villain! thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption for this'

dogberry -

• to borachio

• malapropism (meant to say damnation)

• theme: reputation/status

The quote "O villain! thou wilt be condemned into everlasting redemption for this" reflects a complex interplay between guilt and the hope for forgiveness. The speaker accuses the "villain" of wrongdoing, suggesting that their actions will lead to inevitable consequences. The phrase "everlasting redemption" implies that even those who commit grave offenses may seek or receive forgiveness, highlighting themes of morality, guilt, and the potential for redemption in human nature.

' i'd rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace'

don john the bastard -

• metaphor

• canker-unwanted growth

• nice rose-controlled, precious, pretty, well looked after, and well loved

• A rose is beautiful and restricted, whereas a canker is ugly and free

• theme: societal standards and honour/reputation

The quote "I'd rather be a canker in a hedge than a rose in his grace" expresses a strong rejection of superficial beauty and societal approval. By preferring to be a "canker," or a blight, rather than a "rose" under someone else's favor, the speaker asserts their desire for authenticity and independence over conforming to expectations. This highlights themes of individuality and the value of true self-worth over external validation.

'Signor Montanto'

beatrice -

• mounts onto lots of women

• promiscuous

• fencing move-upthrust

• social climber

• link quotation=lady distain

The quote "Signor Mountanto" is a mocking reference to a character's pretentiousness and inflated self-image. By using this name, which implies a sense of superiority or elevated status, the speaker critiques the character's arrogance and superficiality. This highlights themes of social status and the folly of vanity, illustrating how outward appearances can often mask deeper insecurities and flaws.

look at quotation bank

'the figure of a lamb but the feats of a lion'

he is young and small and unassuming, but in the war he has achieved that of a larger, stronger hunter

hunter motif

The quote "the figure of a lamb but the feats of a lion" contrasts gentleness with strength, portraying a character who appears innocent or harmless yet possesses great courage and power. This juxtaposition emphasizes themes of duality in human nature, suggesting that true strength often lies beneath a calm exterior. It challenges stereotypes about appearance and behavior, illustrating that true valor can manifest in unexpected forms.

'You always end with a jade's trick.'

She knows him well

A jade is a pathetic horse

A jades trick is when a jade suddenly stops in their routine

cowardly

The quote "You always end with a jade's trick" shows that the speaker thinks someone is being dishonest or unfair. The word "jade" means a bad or tricky person, so this suggests the other person often tricks others. This highlights a theme of mistrust and conflict between characters. It also shows how words can be used to hurt or blame someone, creating tension in the story.

'the savage bull will bear the yoke'

bulls pull on a yoke, it is a burden

calling marriage a burden

theme: gender roles

The quote "the savage bull will bear the yoke" means that even a wild and strong person can be controlled or forced to obey. It shows that power or force can change someone’s behavior. This idea highlights themes of control and submission, suggesting that no matter how strong or angry someone is, they can be made to follow rules or orders. It also shows the struggle between freedom and control in the story

'i am a plain-dealing villain.'

He is openly, or "plainly," villainous without pretense. He says this to contrast with the duplicity of other characters, while simultaneously revealing his own character as a jealous, resentful, and discontented figure who is honest about his bad nature. His honesty is what makes him a complex character; he is honest about his villainy but dishonest in his actions, fueled by bitterness over his illegitimacy and a failed rebellion against his brother. 

'beauty is a witch'

metaphor

beauty is a distraction from their personality

beauty is trickery

a03 - In Renaissance times, men would hand out misogynist leaflets e.g. 'a beautiful woman is costly (gold digger) and no good housewife '.

metaphorical outburst

The quote "Beauty is a witch" compares beauty to a witch, meaning it can be dangerous or harmful. It shows that beauty can trick or control people, like magic. This idea suggests that looks are not always good and can cause problems. The quote highlights themes of appearance versus reality and warns about trusting only what we see.

'one foot on sea, one foot on shore'

shore=domestic, women and children

sea=war

Men want the best of both worlds

The quote "one foot on sea, one foot on shore" shows a feeling of being in between two places or choices. It suggests the person is unsure or caught between two different worlds. This can represent confusion or struggle with decisions. It highlights the theme of uncertainty and the challenge of finding where you truly belong.

'refuse me, hate me, torture me to death'

when hero is being accused of being unfaithful

tripartite sentence

imperative verbs

women were relativley powerless, she realises that her word against that of three men is futile.

The quote "refuse me, hate me, torture me to death" shows strong feelings of pain and sadness. The speaker accepts any hurt because their love is so deep. This highlights the theme of intense love and suffering. It also shows how love can sometimes make people feel vulnerable and willing to suffer for someone else.