60 minutes; 2 questions; 40 marks; 20% of GCSE

Scene 1

Part 1

• Leonato, governor of Messina, receives a letter informing him that Don Pedro of Aragon is arriving in Messina that evening.
• Leonato and the Messenger discuss the recent military victory, noting that few men were lost and that Don Pedro has honoured a young soldier, Claudio, for his exceptional performance.
• The Messenger praises Claudio, describing his bravery as surpassing expectations, and mentions that Claudio's uncle in Messina is overjoyed by the news.
• Beatrice interrupts the conversation, asking sarcastically about the return of Signor Benedick, referring to him as "Signor Mountanto."
• The Messenger clarifies that Benedick has returned, and Beatrice continues to mock Benedick, joking about his exaggerated accomplishments in the war.
• Beatrice and the Messenger engage in playful banter, with Beatrice highlighting Benedick's appetite and diminishing his military achievements by calling him a "valiant trencherman."
• Leonato explains to the Messenger that Beatrice and Benedick share a "merry war" of wits, where they often exchange sharp remarks.
• Beatrice continues to mock Benedick, suggesting he is unreliable, comparing his loyalty to the changing fashion of hats, and ridiculing his tendency to form fleeting friendships.
• The Messenger reveals that Benedick is often in the company of Claudio, prompting Beatrice to joke that Benedick is like a disease that Claudio has caught and will struggle to recover from.
• The scene concludes with Leonato commenting on Beatrice's resilience, to which Beatrice responds with a witty remark about never going mad "till a hot January," highlighting her strong and independent personality.
• The Messenger announces the approach of Don Pedro to close the scene.

Untitled

Untitled

Part 2

• Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthasar, and Don John arrive and are greeted by Leonato.
• Don Pedro jests about Leonato willingly taking on the "trouble" of hosting them, to which Leonato responds with a polite and witty retort, expressing his happiness to host them.
• Leonato introduces his daughter Hero, and Don Pedro compliments her, commenting on her similarity to her father.
• Benedick interjects with a sarcastic remark, questioning Hero’s resemblance to Leonato in his typical humorous manner.
• Beatrice enters the conversation and begins a lively verbal exchange with Benedick, mocking him and calling attention to his tendency to talk without being noticed.
• Benedick responds in kind, addressing Beatrice as "Lady Disdain" and continuing their witty repartee, which highlights their sharp tongues and competitive dynamic.
• Both Beatrice and Benedick express their disdain for love and romantic relationships, with Beatrice remarking that she would prefer to hear a dog bark at a crow than hear a man swear he loves her.
• Their exchange concludes with Beatrice asserting her familiarity with Benedick’s mannerisms, implying a shared history between them.
• Don Pedro informs Leonato that they plan to stay at his house for at least a month, and Leonato welcomes them warmly, expressing his sincere hospitality.
• Leonato turns to Don John, the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro, and formally welcomes him, noting his reconciliation with Don Pedro. Don John responds briefly and curtly, in line with his reserved character.
• Leonato invites Don Pedro to lead the way, and they all exit together, leaving Benedick and Claudio behind.

Untitled

Part 3

• Claudio begins the conversation by asking Benedick if he noticed Hero, the daughter of Signor Leonato.
• Benedick responds dismissively, stating that he did not truly observe her but simply looked at her.
• Claudio describes Hero as a modest young lady and asks for Benedick’s honest opinion.
• Benedick questions whether Claudio wants his true judgement or his usual mocking perspective as a self-proclaimed critic of women.
• When Claudio asks for a sober judgement, Benedick criticises Hero harshly, claiming that she is too short, too dark, and too small for any significant praise, ultimately concluding that he does not like her.
• Claudio presses Benedick for a serious opinion, but Benedick mocks him further, asking if Claudio intends to "buy" Hero, suggesting she is being treated as an object.
• Claudio romantically declares that "the world cannot buy such a jewel," to which Benedick sarcastically replies that she could come with "a case to put it into," ridiculing Claudio’s idealistic language.
• Benedick continues to mock Claudio, questioning whether he is serious or simply teasing about his feelings for Hero.
• Claudio admits that Hero is the sweetest lady he has ever seen, while Benedick counters by claiming that Hero’s cousin surpasses her in beauty, comparing it to the difference between May and December.
• Seeing Claudio’s growing affection for Hero, Benedick expresses disbelief and frustration, asking if Claudio intends to marry her.
• Claudio admits that he would marry Hero if given the chance, even though he had previously sworn against such an idea.
• Benedick reacts with exasperation, lamenting the loss of bachelors and criticising marriage as a form of submission, where men "wear their caps with suspicion."
• Finally, Benedick redirects the conversation, pointing out that Don Pedro has returned to find Claudio, signalling his unwillingness to engage further in the discussion.

Untitled

Part 4

• Don Pedro enters and questions Benedick about why he did not accompany the others to Leonato’s house.
• Benedick responds evasively, prompting Don Pedro to press him for an answer.
• Under pressure, Benedick mockingly reveals that Claudio is in love with Hero, Leonato’s daughter.
• Claudio initially denies the claim but soon admits his feelings for Hero.
• Don Pedro supports Claudio’s feelings, affirming that Hero is worthy of love.
• Benedick expresses his scepticism and disdain for love and marriage, mocking Claudio’s romantic sentiments.
• Don Pedro and Claudio challenge Benedick’s cynical views on love, but Benedick remains resolute in his decision to remain a bachelor.
• Don Pedro jests that Benedick will eventually succumb to love, but Benedick vehemently denies the possibility, offering exaggerated imagery of what should happen if he ever falls in love.
• Don Pedro dismisses Benedick’s protests with a humorous remark, predicting that time will change his perspective.
• Before leaving, Don Pedro instructs Benedick to deliver a message to Leonato, informing him that Don Pedro will attend the supper that evening.
• Benedick, continuing his playful banter, exchanges parting words with Don Pedro and Claudio before exiting.

Untitled

Part 5

• Claudio expresses his desire for assistance from Don Pedro, saying that his Highness can help him with a matter of importance.
• Don Pedro responds generously, offering his love and support, and stating that he is willing to help in any way that would benefit Claudio.
• Claudio inquires whether Leonato has a son, to which Don Pedro replies that Hero is his only heir.
• Don Pedro perceptively asks if Claudio has feelings for Hero, prompting Claudio to confess his affection for her.
• Claudio explains how his initial admiration for Hero during the war was overshadowed by his military duties, but now that the war has ended, his thoughts are consumed by his love for her.
• Don Pedro playfully teases Claudio about acting like a typical lover, prone to rambling about love.
• Don Pedro reassures Claudio by offering to help him win Hero’s heart. He devises a plan where he will assume Claudio’s identity in disguise, profess Claudio’s love to Hero, and secure her affections.
• Claudio expresses his gratitude for Don Pedro’s understanding and willingness to assist, while also acknowledging his own nervousness about appearing too hasty in his affections.
• Don Pedro dismisses Claudio’s hesitation, asserting that love should be acted upon swiftly, and that he will ensure Claudio’s love for Hero is realised.
• Don Pedro outlines his strategy: during the evening’s revelry, he will approach Hero as Claudio, reveal his feelings, and then speak to Leonato to arrange for Hero and Claudio to be together.
• The scene concludes with Don Pedro urging immediate action, saying they will proceed with the plan without delay.

Untitled

Scene 2