Question 1: Identify and explain the use of any literary technique in the line: "I do love nothing in the world so well as you."

Answer: The line employs hyperbole, emphasising Benedick's intense feelings, possibly exaggerating to highlight deception or theatricality.

Question 2: What is the effect of the repeated declaration of love between Benedick and Leonato on the theme of deception?

Answer: It creates ambiguity about genuine feelings versus surface appearances, tying into the theme of deception.

Question 3: Identify the stage direction in the extract and discuss its significance.

Answer: The stage direction '(He kisses her hand.)' signifies intimacy and deception, as actions can mask true intentions.

Question 4: Describe how Shakespeare’s use of dialogue in this extract reveals the characters’ relationships.

Answer: Shakespeare uses intimate and exaggerated dialogue to suggest genuine affection, but it also raises questions of sincerity and deception in their relationship.

Question 5: Identify and explain one example of irony present in this extract.

Answer: The irony lies in Benedick’s repeated claims of love, which may be insincere, reflecting deception rather than truth.

Question 6: How does Shakespeare’s language create a tone of playful deception in this passage?

Answer: The playful tone is created through exaggerated expressions of love and intimate stage directions, suggesting that appearances may be deceptive.

Question 7: Write a brief analysis of how Shakespeare uses dialogue to explore themes of deception in this extract.

Answer: Shakespeare’s use of heightened language and stage directions in the dialogue reflects the playful yet potentially deceptive interactions between characters, emphasizing how appearances can mask true feelings and intentions.

Question 8: Identify one line where Shakespeare employs repetition for emphasis. Explain its effect.

Answer: The repeated declaration "I do love nothing in the world so well as you" emphasises Benedick’s sincerity or possibly mocks the sincerity of their feelings, contributing to the theme of deception.

Question 9: Based on this extract, discuss how Shakespeare’s language might suggest that characters are not always honest.

Answer: Shakespeare’s exaggerated expressions and stage directions suggest that characters might be manipulating or concealing true feelings, highlighting the theme that appearances can be deceiving and honesty is complex.

Question 10: Create a short dialogue (10 lines) between Benedick and Leonato, where they discuss a supposed deception. Use Shakespearean style and language.

Answer: Students will craft a dialogue mimicking Shakespeare’s style, incorporating poetic language, stage directions, and themes of deception, demonstrating understanding of the period's speech patterns.