Much Ado About Nothing (9/11/09)

Act One, Scene One
BENEDICK: The savage bull may; but if ever the sensible Benedick bear it, pluck off the bull's horns and set them in my forehead: and let me be vilely painted,and in such great letters as they write 'Here is good horse to hire,' let them signify under my sign' Here you may see Benedick the married man.'
Translation- Although one day, even the savagest of bulls can be tamed and tied down, it will never happen to Benedick because he does not go back on his word. If I do go back on my word and be married, take the horns of the bull, and stick them on my forehead. Paint me up horribly and place me in the market where everyone can see. Place a sign which says, "Here is a horse for hire" and in fine print let them know that this is Benedick the married man.
Significance- This strong declaration is significant because it shows how strongly and determinedly Benedick holds his beliefs against love and marriage. It holds the readers' attention and raises there curiosity to find out if Benedick will truly hold his oath or not.

Act Two, Scene One
BEATRICE: What should I do with him? dress him in my apparel and make him my waiting-gentlewoman? He that hath a beard is more than a youth, and he that hath no beard is less than a man: and he that is more than a youth is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am not for him:...
Translation- What would I want with a husband who has no beard, put him in my dresses and make him my lady-in-waiting? A man with a beard is too old and a man without is still a boy. Therefore an old man is not suited for me and I am not suited for a young boy.
Significance- This shows that just like Benedick, Beatrice is strong-willed against affairs of love and has also proclaimed that she would die single. The significance of this is to also rise the readers' suspicion and begin to question if Beatrice to will be able to hold her will as the play goes on.