Act 3, Scene 1: "Leonato's Orchard"
Hero, Margaret, and Ursula plan to begin their manipulative work on Beatrice in Leonato's orchard. Hero tells Margaret to run and get Beatrice to come to the orchard so that she will overhear her conversation with Ursula. Their plan is perfect:
"Our talk must only be of Benedick:
When I do name him, let it by thy part
To praise him more than ever man did merit.
My talk to thee must be how Benedick
Is sick in love with Beatrice: of this matter
Is little Cupid's crafty arrow made,
That only wounds by hearsay." Act 3, Scene 1, lines 17-23
Hero and Ursula begin to speak of Benedick's great name and excellent virtues. Hero says that she can never tell Beatrice of his love for her because she is unable to love. Hero says that she will try to convince Benedick not to love Beatrice because Beatrice is too witty and strong to love another. After their set-up, Ursula and Hero leave saying, "Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps" Act 3, Scene 1, line 106. Beatrice is enraptured and decides that she will be in love with Benedick. She is love-struck and will requite the strong love that she thinks Benedick feels for her.
Topic Tracking: Battle of the Sexes 6
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