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Shakespeare uses the phrase: “opinion that fire
cannot melt out of me” to convey Benedick’s strong feelings towards how he will
never love a woman
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Ironically, when
Beatrice has been gulled, later on in the play, she exclaims: “what is this fire in mine
ears!”
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Additionally, “fire” could be linked to Beatrice, as she is
often described as being “firey” and “strong minded” (not desired characteristics for a
woman at the time)
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This undermines Benedick’s speech, as seen in this extract,
as it only takes some “fire” (or gossip) from his male friends to convince Benedick
that he is in love with Beatrice (as demonstrated in the first gulling scene)
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A “stake” is what was once used to burn witches (often young unmarried
women), suggesting that Benedick would rather die for something he believes in
than live an unhappy life
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This side
of his character shows how he is also prone to over exaggeration by using lyrical
metaphors to portray his attitudes towards love
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This portrays Benedick as clever and witty - perhaps so arrogant that he doesn’t feel
that he needs a wife to complete him? (this is a rather forward-thinking and modern
idea for the time)
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This could indicate that Benedick is reluctant to
watch his friends get married, reinforcing the male code of honour and
companionship felt by those at the time
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Shakespeare also uses this phrase: “Because I will not do them the wrong to
mistrust any…” to show how Benedick is a reliable and good-hearted character in
the play and that he is respectful towards women
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Indeed, much of the gossip surrounding Benedick’s gulling is based on
“mistrust”
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This could foreshadow the “undoing” of Hero but also how Benedick
wants to protect himself and his honour
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This could suggest that Shakespeare is
hinting at the conversation, at his time of writing, surrounding a woman’s place in
society
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This portrays Benedick’s attitudes to love as revolutionary and different
to those of the time and highlights how the conversation surrounding love and
relationships was beginning to change

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