Was ever woman in this humor wooed? Was ever woman in this humor won?

Was ever woman in this humor wooed? Was ever woman in this humor won?

In William Shakespeare's play, "Much Ado About Nothing," these lines are spoken by Benedick in Act 2, Scene 3. Benedick is reflecting on the idea of a woman being won over by a man's advances and whether any woman has ever been in the same state of mind as the woman he is trying to woo, Beatrice.

The context of these lines is important in understanding Benedick's character and his relationship with Beatrice. Throughout the play, Benedick and Beatrice engage in a battle of wits and banter, constantly trying to one-up each other with clever insults and wordplay. Despite their outward animosity towards each other, it becomes clear to the audience that there is an underlying attraction between the two characters.

When Benedick asks, "Was ever woman in this humor wooed? Was ever woman in this humor won?" he is questioning whether any woman has ever been as resistant to love and romance as Beatrice. He is also questioning whether any woman has ever been won over by a man's persistence and charm in the same way that he hopes to win over Beatrice.

These lines reveal Benedick's uncertainty and vulnerability when it comes to matters of the heart. He is unsure of how to approach Beatrice and win her affections, and he is grappling with his own feelings for her. By questioning whether any woman has ever been in the same state of mind as Beatrice, Benedick is trying to understand her better and figure out the best way to win her over.

Ultimately, these lines foreshadow the eventual resolution of Benedick and Beatrice's relationship. Through a series of misunderstandings and deceptions orchestrated by their friends, Benedick and Beatrice are brought together and forced to confront their true feelings for each other. In the end, they both realize that they are in love and decide to set aside their pride and stubbornness to be together.