Much Ado About Nothing   (Act 2)

v Leonato is mostly present throughout this act, with the exception of a few places here and there. In the beginning we see that Leonato talks little, especially when Beatrice begins another one of her witty comments and continues to rant. It is likely here that once again Leonato is at a loss for words in trying to match Beatrice’s wit, which is why he merely interjects for small comments on what she says. However, later on Leonato offers us some good insight into Beatrice’s relationships with people after hearing her put down the idea of ever having a husband. This is an important aspect to note as Leonato sets off cues for the reader about Beatrice’s personality other than what we have heard her say herself. I can tell that Leonato feels bad for Beatrice because, as he says, “She mocks all her wooers out of suit.” (line 305) It is then that we see Don Pedro hatch a plan to bring Beatrice and Benedick together in love, and Leonato is included in the scheme on behalf of his love for his niece. In the very last section of the second act the plan Don Pedro has come up with is hatched as he, Claudio, and Leonato talk about how Beatrice has confessed her love for him to them, but refuses to ever confess it to Benedick. The plan works perfectly as Benedick was hiding near them and listened in on their conversation, and it is then that Benedick admits to himself that he loves Beatrice. This section of act two intrigued me due to the fact that Leonato performed very well and quite seriously without giving it away. He is usually not one to talk for long periods of time, however he did talk for quite a while during this conversation and made it even more convincing due to the fact that he is Beatrice’s uncle and Benedick believed that he would not spew such lies.

v Balthasar is truly a scarce character throughout this act and only shows up a couple of times. The first time we see him merely ask Margaret for a dance, however it should be noted that he is smooth with his words and woos her onto the floor. The second time is when Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato have retreated outside to put their plan into motion with Benedick hiding near. Here Balthasar is called out to sing for them and although he does not believe his singing voice is worthy enough, he complies with the request from Don Pedro. The song that he sings is about ladies who should turn their woes into song to nourish their broken hearts from men. This is an interesting song to sing seeing as Beatrice is slightly heartbroken because she knows that although she does secretly love Benedick, she says she will never reveal it to him. The song is almost a ballad solely for her even though she cannot hear it.