'Kill Claudio'

Act 4 Scene 1 – Key Scene

In this scene, Beatrice and Benedick are left alone after the terrible events of the wedding. Hero has been taken away to an uncertain future. If they can’t clear her name, she will live in shame, possibly hidden away in a convent. Benedick attempts to comfort Beatrice, the two confess their love for each other for the first time and Benedick says he will do anything for her. Beatrice is extremely upset and angry at what has happened to her cousin. As a woman, Beatrice's position in society means she can’t challenge Claudio over what he’s done so she asks Benedick to do it for her.

Take a look at an extract from this scene and watch it in performance here. Using the following steps, remember to look at it line by line and if you’re looking at the scene for the first time, don’t worry if you don’t understand everything at once.

  • Look

    Take a look at the scene. Who has the most lines? Are they using prose or verse? Actors at the RSC often put the language into their own words to help them understand what they are saying. We’ve added some definitions (in green), questions (in red) and paraphrased some sections (in blue) to help with this. You can click on the text that is highlighted for extra guidance.

    Benedick
    I do love nothing in the world so well as you; is not that strange?
    Beatrice
    As strange as the thing I know not. It were as possible for me to say I loved nothing so well as you; but believe me not, and yet I lie not; I confess nothing, nor I deny nothing. I am sorry for my cousin.

    It’s as strange as something unknown. I could say I loved you back but don’t believe me. But then again, I’m not lying. I’m not saying anything. I’m just sorry for Hero.

    Benedick
    By my sword, Beatrice, thou lovest me.

    Why do you think they choose this moment to say they love each other?

    Beatrice
    Do not swear, and eat it.

    Don’t say something now and take it back afterwards.

    Benedick
    I will swear by it that you love me; and I will make him eat it that says I love not you.
    Beatrice
    Will you not eat your word?
    Benedick
    With no sauce that can be devised to it; I protest I love thee.
    Beatrice
    Why, then, God forgive me!
    Benedick
    What offence, sweet Beatrice?
    Beatrice
    You have stayed me in a happy hour; I was about to protest I loved you.

    You have interrupted me.

    Benedick
    And do it with all thy heart.
    Beatrice
    I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.
    Benedick
    Come, bid me do any thing for thee.
    Beatrice
    Kill Claudio.
    Benedick
    Ha! Not for the wide world.
    Beatrice
    You kill me to deny it. Farewell.
    Benedick
    (Taking her by the hand)Tarry, sweet Beatrice.

    Stay.

    Beatrice
    I am gone though I am here; there is no love in you. Nay, I pray you, let me go.

    You interrupted me just in time. I nearly let my happy emotions get away with me.

    Benedick
    Beatrice -
    Beatrice
    In faith, I will go.
    Benedick
    We'll be friends first.
    Beatrice
    You dare easier be friends with me than fight with mine enemy.
    Benedick
    Is Claudio thine enemy?
    Beatrice
    Is he not approved in the height a villain that hath slandered, scorned, dishonoured my kinswoman? O that I were a man! What, bear her in hand until they come to take hands, and then, with public accusation, uncovered slander, unmitigated rancour - O God, that I were a man! I would eat his heart in the market-place.

    Female relative.

    Uncontrolled hatred.

    What does Beatrice do in this scene to persuade Benedick to challenge Claudio?

  • Listen

    Read the scene aloud, then watch the actors talking about this crucial moment in the play for Benedick and Beatrice. Are there any words or lines that really stand out as turning points in this scene? Why do you think Beatrice asks Benedick to kill Claudio and how does this change the moment?

    Play discussion of scene

  • Watch

    Take a look at the actors performing this scene. How do the characters come across in this version?

    Play scene in performance

  • Imagine

    Explore some images from past versions of Much Ado about Nothing at the RSC. Which sets and staging choices for the scene feel right to you?

    A woman in white holds a veil to her chest.

    Beatrice is upset in the 2002 production of Much Ado About Nothing.

    Photo by Jonathan Dockar-Drysdale Browse and license our images
    A man looks at a crying woman in a church.

    Benedick talks to Beatrice in the 2014 production of Much Ado About Nothing.

    Photo by Manuel Harlan Browse and license our images
    Benedick talks to Beatrice, who holds a bouquet of yellow flowers.

    Benedick talks to Beatrice in the 2012 production of Much Ado About Nothing.

    Photo by Ellie Kurttz Browse and license our images
    Benedick, in full uniform, grabs hold of Beatrice's arm.

    Benedick holds onto Beatrice in the 1976 production of Much Ado About Nothing.

    Photo by Reg Wilson Browse and license our images
    A man and woman are about to kiss.

    Beatrice and Benedick admit their feelings in the 2006 production of Much Ado About Nothing.

    Photo by Simon Annand Browse and license our images
    Benedick restrains Beatrice in the church.

    Benedick tries to comfort Beatrice in the 1996 production of Much Ado About Nothing.

    Photo by Reg Wilson Browse and license our images