True love is a bond shared by few and dreamed of by everyone. The appearance of a relationship may not accurately depict the true reality of the situation. The bond between Claudio and Hero appears far stronger than that of Beatrice and Benedict, yet events of the play provide evidence for the converse. In Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing, the masked emotions of two couples are evoked through subterfuge. Upon first sight, Beatrice and Benedict seem as if they abhor one another as they exchange several deriding remarks. The skirmish of wits is merely a facade of their underlying attraction to each other, and an ongoing struggle of recognizing their love; the insults function as a psychological device which erects a strong barrier around their emotions and further supports their feelings of denial. A few of the townspeople have noticed several signs of love between Beatrice and Benedict so they decide to trick them into divulging their feelings. Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato plan to make Bene*censored* believe that Beatrice loves him. Hiding, Bene*censored* overhears a stirring description of her love for him. Then, as further jest, the prince sends Beatrice to call Bene*censored* to dinner. She does, and he falls in love with her 'brave' attempt to restrain herself. Ursula, a gentlewoman to Hero, and Hero herself bait a trap of their own for Beatrice. It is made for her to overhear the fact that Bene*censored* loves her. They speak of how arrogant she is, and how she can always find fault with a man; consequently, Bene*censored* is intimidated out of professing his love. She is also baited, and falls in love with Bene*censored*. A very strong relationship is formed as the couple admits their love for one another; after brief hesitation, Benedict even agrees to kill Claudio, someone he trusted enough to confide in, as a sign of his love for Beatrice. Claudio only saw Hero for a brief moment upon returni...
