Portia is very clever, and I feel she is definitely referring to herself here. Since no one knows that it was her who saved Antonio, she can boast about it as much as she wants.

As discussed in class the other day, not only does Don John appear very flat for a Shakespearean villain, but his deceptions and story arc is laid out very shortly throughout the play. Unlike other comedies, such as "Merchant of Venice" and "As You Like It," the villain really does not hold much of a crucial part in "Much Ado About Nothing."

I think this phrase right here by Benedick perfectly summarizes a major theme in the play. While the overall mood of the piece is lighthearted and fun, especially towards the beginning, it does become clear that as soon as the characters begin to succumb to love, they also begin to suffer. Although love brings great happiness, Shakespeare also makes it clear that it can be a pain as well.

This whole scene showcases how quickly women were believed to be tainted or bad during this time period as well as in this play. Without even letting Hero explain herself, all the male characters of the play are quick to wish her dead for her shame.

I already find this dynamic between Beatrice and Signior Benedick entertaining and interesting even though Benedick has not even appeared on stage. Beatrice seems very clever and reminds me a lot of the other women in Shakespeare's comedies such as Viola in Twelfth Night and Portia in Merchant of Venice.