1. “He were an excellent man that were made just in the midway between [Don John] and Bene**. The one is too like an image and says nothing, and the other is too like my lady’s eldest son, evermore tattling” (Shakespeare 2.1.6-10). What is Beatrice saying about Bene** and about Don John?

2. In the conversation that follows, we see how Beatrice and Hero differ on the issue of marriage. What is Beatrice’s opinion? What is Hero’s?

3. What does the conversation between Bene** and Margaret tell us about Bene** as a character?

4. What is Borachio’s plan for stopping the wedding between Hero and Claudio? (Cite line numbers.)

5. What qualities must a woman possess for Bene** to fall in love with her?

6. Don John, Claudio and Leonato begin having a conversation (specifically for the purpose of Bene** overhearing them)—what do they say?

7. Why, according to Leonato, has Beatrice not confessed her love to Bene**? (Cite line numbers.) What makes this a credible excuse?

8. Bene**’s soliloquy (lines 223-248): What does he say about his feelings? What does he say about Beatrice? What does he decide to do?

9. Beatrice enters, treating Bene** as she normally would. How does he react to her behavior and sharp comments now? Why the change?

10. What does it tell you about Bene**’s character that Don John, Claudio and Leonato were able to trick him so easily? Why did their particular strategy work?