Much Ado About Nothing

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1. 
   linda-allen Teacher
   High School - 10th Grade

   "Signior Mountanto" is what Beatrice calls Benedick when he arrives. This is her way of saying that Benedick is a ladies' man (see the discussion of "Knowing Aforehand," linked below). Beatrice and Benedick seem to enjoy insulting each other, but they are insults that soon turn into endearments when they realize they are in love. 

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   http://www.enotes.com/muchado/

   http://www.enotes.com/shakespearean-criticism/knowing-afo...

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   Posted by linda-allen on Monday December 3, 2007 at 7:46 AM
   
   

2. 
   sullymonster Teacher
   Community / Jr. College

   Best answer as selected by question asker.

   His relationship to Beatrice is immediately established as one of a familiarity.  If Beatrice had just referred to Benedick by his real name, than the audience would have no understanding of the level of knowledge they have of each other.  This nickname lets us know that they not only know one another, but that there is some history invovled between the two.  The first scene between the two of them will develop this back history further, by letting the audience know that Beatrice "knows Benedick of old."  They could be old friends (their teasing is still too light to suggest they are enemies) or - as we learn later - a former romantic couple.

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   Posted by sullymonster on Monday December 3, 2007 at 5:13 PM
   
   

3. 
   bubble10pop Student
   High School - 9th Grade

   Signor Montanto is Benedick. she refers to him as thins because there is a 'merry war' between them and she calls him this to tease him

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   Posted by bubble10pop on Tuesday May 6, 2008 at 10:42 AM
   
   

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