EXTEND – The marriage of true wits

Choose the correct alternative to complete the sentences about some important details of the passage.

1 Both Benedick and Beatrice rely on ________ to test each other's love.
2 When they both deny their love towards one another, their friends show written evidence in the form of ________ that the two have written.
3 At the end of the passage, in declaring that they will marry, Beatrice and Benedick seem ________.
4 This reinforces the idea that their marriage will be a ________ one.

Complete the text which reflects on Benedick and Beatrice's match with the words given. Then look at the prompts in brackets and write some extra reflections in your exercise book. You can use the final text as revision material for your test.

Beatrice and Benedick are known for their strong ________ and independent spirits. They are very aware of themselves and of others and have a clear perception of the ________ between men and women. (What do Beatrice's words in T20 in your textbook make evident?) Due to their passionate natures and a desire to protect themselves from ________ experiences, they often argue and see life as a playful competition. (Refer to their wit and consider its functions in terms of their relationship.)
Despite their strong personalities, they are not selfish. They are generous to others and always ready to help when needed. (Refer to T20 in your textbook for evidence of this.)
Even though they experience some awkward moments, falling in love does not ________ their independent natures. They still value themselves but also recognise the need for a partner. This partner would be someone to ________ them, someone they could ________ themselves in relation to, and someone to share their love with. (Refer to their witticism at the end of this passage for evidence.) Essentially, they understand that true love requires independence and the ________ to be yourself.

Complete the text on about deception in the play with the words given.
Deception is at the heart of Much Ado about Nothing, and it is also used by Benedick and Beatrice's friends in order to lead them to believe that the other is in love with them. This ________, however, serves as a catalyst for their ________ growth. Forced to confront the possibility of their own romantic feelings, Benedick and Beatrice are ultimately led to ________ and a deeper understanding of their own desires.
Initially ________ to the idea of love and marriage, both characters have built elaborate defences to shield themselves from ________. Overhearing conversations about their supposed love for each other, Benedick and Beatrice are forced to confront the uncomfortable truth: their playful teasing masks a deeper ________. They struggle with their own ________, their fear of rejection, and the possibility of genuine intimacy. Deception compels them to examine their own biases and unveils their ________ regarding their feelings.