Noting or overhearing as a factor of the plot is introduced also in "Love's Labour's Lost." It is one of several links in workmanship with that Play and its use there may have suggested the production of a Play almost altogether built, as this is, on overhearing or taking critical notice such as Benedicke and Beatrice take of each other.
The part of the plot that is based on an already existent story does not develop this noteing element particularly. For that reason it is the likelier that it is a device of Shakespeare's to make up his Comedy.
ACT I
CLAUDIO NOTES HERO WITH FAVOR AND IS NOTED WITH DISFAVOR
The Story of Act I results, on the arrival of the Prince and his suite, in making it known that Claudio has noted Hero as "the sweetest Ladie" that ever he "lookt on." Show how it also comes out in Scene i that a noting of a severer kind has passed between Benedicke and Beatrice. The two kinds of special interest—the openly admiring noting of Claudio, and the captious notice of each other shown by Beatrice and Benedicke, initiate the two channels of action in which the plot will run. The normal sex-agreement of the one pair of characters is varied by contrast with the more unusual sex-warfare that asserts itself humorously both in Beatrice and Benedicke. Bring out pertinent examples of their defiance of love and marriage. What is to be gathered of Hero and her point of view from this Act? How much from others, from little from herself? And how much from her of others? Contrast with hers the witness given of herself by Beatrice. Is Claudio taciturn, too, when compared with Benedicke?
What noting goes on in scene ii? Is it in accordance with what has already taken place between Claudio and the Prince? What additional noting comes out in Sc. iii. Is this in accordance with Scene i or Scene ii? Act I closes with a sense of some confusion which Act II is required to clear up. In addition to the inconsistency, notice Don John's enmity to Claudio, and its menace of disaster.
QUERIES FOR DISCUSSION
Is the inconsistency of the last three scenes misleading and puzzling rather than alluring to the curiosity of the reader?
Could it be made more interesting on the stage by the way of enacting the part of Brother Anthony?