#have yall read 2.2 to the end though. r&j are genuinely so sweet in that scene when they dont want to leave they just want to keep chatting

[tinyplanetss]

fascinated by this line from much ado (4.1.320) that i've never really noticed despite reading this play a good dozen times. the idea that this concept of chivalry has grown so common that the standard for what is considered to be an above-and-beyond kindness is just the act of dramatically swearing by something, even if it's false or inconstant. the idea that hercules, with his twelve labors, is something a man can consider himself to match by swearing his heart upon falsehoods!! "valor into compliment" the gap between saying something kind of nice about someone and performing an act in someone's name (for example. kill claudio) is HUGE and modern culture (for shakespeare's time) has shifted to conflate them to such a wild degree. oh that a friend would be a man for my sake.

AND THEN ‼️ benedick goes to swear! and beatrice says THATS NOT ENOUGH. and because the others's matchmaking prank made him actually look inward and study/better himself, he looks to her and LISTENS and trusts her!!!!!