Balance In Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing

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Pages: 5

Every college student learns and observes hands-on Newton’s second law of thermodynamics, the universe favors chaos over order. However, chemical reactions still exist that increase the organization of a system by lowering the system’s potential energy. The tendency towards chaos constantly struggles with the need for organization to attain the unique balance necessary for life. The multi-faceted love that Benedick and Beatrice share in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing experiences a similar struggle to achieve the balance necessary for their life together. Their constant bickering about nothing combined with their genuine care for each other characterizes this modern romance as seen in Act 5 Scene 2. When Benedick sentimentally admits that he suffers love against his will, Beatrice responds with a complicated profession of solidarity which parallels with the intricacy of their love: “If you spite [your heart] for my sake, I will spite it for yours” (5.2.60-61). Benedick agrees with her by pointing out the gist of every modern romantic comedy: …show more content…
If a worm wearing a crown cannot make Beatrice smile, then perhaps Benedick needs to woo her a little more with his so well contained confidence. During his second attempt, he repeatedly boasts the bad, self-centered part of his personality: “So much for praising myself, who I myself will bear witness is praiseworthy” (73-75). Through the repetition of his personal pronouns and the fact that he is praiseworthy, he hopes to elicit a bright and opposing response from Beatrice. But when his attempt falls short of lightening the mood, he realizes that it is time to focus on what is actually bothering