Benedick's first monologue is based on repeated words and phrases. His soliloquy indicates he has extremely high expectations for his ideal woman. He states repeatedly, "yet I am well,"� (26) to convince himself that although one woman may be fair, wise, or virtuous, she only holds one special trait. By reiterating that phrase, he is constantly telling himself that women will never be a part of his life. Repeating the statement conveys he is determined to preserve his position against women. A single trait will not strike him and cause him to fall in love. The ideal woman for Benedick is represented as someone who must be rich, "that's certain,"� (29) fair, or he will "never look on her,"� (30) and wise, or he will "none."� (29) After stating each characteristic, Benedick uses similar phrases, emphasizing his strict guidelines for the perfect woman. He presents an image of inflexibility and a fear of falling in love with a woman who does not meet his requirements. Although he may not realize it, Benedick's rigidity causes him to overlook women who could actually be his perfect match. Shakespeare's choice of words illustrates that Benedick bases love on the experiences of others. This idea is expressed by Benedick when he uses Claudio as an example of how love has turned a man into a fool. Before
Benedick's first monologue is based on repeated words and phrases. His soliloquy indicates he has extremely high expectations for his ideal woman. He states repeatedly, "yet I am well,"� (26) to convince himself that although one woman may be fair, wise, or virtuous, she only holds one special trait. By reiterating that phrase, he is constantly telling himself that women will never be a part of his life. Repeating the statement conveys he is determined to preserve his position against women. A single trait will not strike him and cause him to fall in love. The ideal woman for Benedick is represented as someone who must be rich, "that's certain,"� (29) fair, or he will "never look on her,"� (30) and wise, or he will "none."� (29) After stating each characteristic, Benedick uses similar phrases, emphasizing his strict guidelines for the perfect woman. He presents an image of inflexibility and a fear of falling in love with a woman who does not meet his requirements. Although he may not realize it, Benedick's rigidity causes him to overlook women who could actually be his perfect match. Shakespeare's choice of words illustrates that Benedick bases love on the experiences of others. This idea is expressed by Benedick when he uses Claudio as an example of how love has turned a man into a fool. Before