Much Ado About Nothing - Plot summary

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Much Ado About Nothing is a comedic play by William Shakespeare about misunderstandings,
love and deception.
Benedick, Claudio and Don Pedro arrive at Leonato's house in Messina. Beatrice and Benedick
bicker with each other and Claudio, a soldier, falls in love with Leonato's daughter, Hero.
Don John, who is Don Pedro's evil half-brother, tricks Claudio into believing that he has seen
Hero being unfaithful.
Meanwhile, Don Pedro and others plot to bring Benedick and Beatrice together. Claudio accuses
Hero of infidelity and refuses to marry her. Leonato is persuaded to pretend that she is dead.
Hero's innocence is proven and Claudio repents. He agrees to accept Antonio's daughter in
marriage and she turns out to be Hero after all! The trick to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in
love succeeds and he proposes to her at the end of the play.

1. Benedick, Claudio and Don Pedro return from the war and arrive at Leonato's house.
2. Benedick and Beatrice tease each other and Claudio falls in love with Hero.
3. Don John and Borachio plot to deceive Claudio at the masked ball.
4. Leonato, Don Pedro and Claudio trick Benedick into believing Beatrice loves him. A
similar trick is played on Beatrice by Hero and Ursula.
5. Don John tells Claudio his wife-to-be is unfaithful.
6. Claudio refuses Hero at the altar. The friar advises Leonato to announce that his daughter
is dead.
7. Don Pedro and Claudio discover they were wrong about Hero. Claudio agrees to make
amends by marrying Antonio's 'daughter' without seeing her.
8. At the wedding Claudio is delighted to unveil his new bride and find Hero.
9. Benedick and Beatrice agree to marry.
Detailed plot summary
The soldiers return from war
The play begins with the soldiers, Benedick, Claudio and Don Pedro, returning from the war.
When they arrive at Leonato's house in Messina, Beatrice meets them and she and Benedick
wittily banter back and forth. They appear to have known each other previously.
Claudio falls in love
Claudio falls in love with Leonato's daughter, Hero on sight as both her looks and her nature
appeal to him. Don Pedro offers to disguise himself as Claudio at a ball that evening to win
Hero's hand for his friend.
Don John plots to deceive Claudio
Borachio overhears Claudio's declaration of love and reports back to Don John, the villain of the
play. Don John plots to deceive Claudio.
Don Pedro plans to trick Benedick
The matchmaking plan for Hero and Claudio is a success and Leonato sets their wedding date for
one week's time. Don Pedro has an idea to make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love as well.
Detailed plot summary - Part 2
 Don John plans to deceive Claudio
Meanwhile Borachio and Don John devise a plan to trick Claudio. They will persuade Margaret
to pretend she is Hero and invite Claudio to witness her expressing her love for someone else.
Tricking Benedick and Beatrice
Beatrice overhears Hero and Ursula discussing Benedick

Benedick hides in the orchard when his friends Leonato, Don Pedro and Claudio arrive. He
overhears them discuss how Beatrice is in love with him. He realises that he also has feelings for
her. Beatrice is also tricked by overhearing a conversation between Hero and Ursula about
Benedick's love for her. She admits to herself that she is in love with him.
Don John tells Claudio Hero is unfaithful
The night before the wedding, Don John tells Claudio his wife-to-be is unfaithful. Dogberry and
the Watch arrest Borachio and Conrade when they boast about their trick on Claudio.
Claudio rejects Hero
The next day, Claudio rejects Hero at the altar calling her a 'rotten orange'. Suspecting that foul
work is at play, the friar advises Leonato to pretend his daughter is dead.
Detailed plot summary - Part 3
Don Pedro and Claudio discover they were wrong
Beatrice and Benedick bicker good-naturedly

In response to Claudio's false accusations against Hero, Beatrice asks Benedick to 'Kill Claudio!'
and Leonato later challenges Claudio to a duel. When the Watch (led by Dogberry) appear with
Conrade and Borachio, Don Pedro and Claudio find out that they were mistaken. Claudio is
apologetic and agrees to make amends by proclaiming Hero's innocence and singing songs at her
tomb. He also consents to marrying Hero's uncle's unseen 'daughter'.
Claudio and Hero marry
At the wedding, Antonio's 'daughter' is revealed and Claudio is delighted to discover that his new
wife is in fact Hero.
Benedick and Beatrice agree to marry
Benedick asks for Beatrice's hand in marriage and after some more witty banter, she agrees.
News arrives via a messenger that Don John has been captured. The play ends with music and
dancing.
Much Ado About Nothing - Characters overview
There are two main love stories in this play. One shows Claudio falling in love with Hero, then
being tricked into thinking she is disloyal. He denounces her at the altar and later discovers he is
in the wrong. To make amends, he agrees to marry Antonio's daughter, who turns out to be Hero
in disguise.
The other story is that of Benedick and Beatrice. At the start of the play they tease each other and
bicker. Later, they are tricked into realising their love for the other and eventually they agree to
marry.
Main characters

 Benedick.. Beatrice. Claudio

 Secondary characters

 Hero. Don John. Don Pedro. Leonato

Minor characters

 Dogberry. Antonio. Borachio.. Conrade. Margaret. Ursula. The Watch. The Friar
Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing

Benedick is one of the main characters in this play and is initially presented as light-hearted
and carefree. In his banter with Beatrice he seems quick-witted and arrogant. When talking to his friend
Claudio, he scorns love and vows he will never marry. He is portrayed as mature and as having known
Beatrice previously.

However, he appears hurt by Beatrice's sharp words about him at the masked ball and he is quick
to give in to desire when he overhears his friends discussing Beatrice and her apparent love for
him.
By the end of the play we see Benedick transformed from soldier to lover and he asks for
Beatrice's hand in marriage. Their banter continues on less severe terms than at the start.
How is Benedick like
Evidence Analysis
this?
"they never meet
A 'skirmish' suggests a
Leonato explains to the but there's a
tussle or a fight, which
messenger that Beatrice skirmish of wit /
Witty shows us that Benedick and
and Benedick are both between
Beatrice are well matched
witty. them," (Act 1 Scene
in their cleverness.
1)
"But that my Lady Beatrice called him the
After dancing with
Beatrice should 'prince's fool' and this hurts
Beatrice at the masked ball
Proud know me, and not / Benedick's pride. His
he is offended by her
know me!" (Act 1 offence at her mistaking him
comments about him.
Scene 2) shows how full of self he is.
"When I said I
would / die a Despite his earlier claims
After eavesdropping on his
bachelor, I did not that he would never
friends in the orchard,
Changeable think I should live marry, he softens and
Benedick is quick to admit
till I / were changes when he suspects
his feelings have changed.
married." (Act 2 Beatrice loves him.
Scene 3)
The love between Beatrice
"Come, I will have
Even when he and and Benedick seems honest
thee; but, by this
Beatrice have agreed to and equal. They do not
Playful light, I take / thee
marry, he continues to change their playful
for pity." (Act 5
tease her. relationship after they have
Scene 4)
admitted their true feelings.
Social and historical context
Shakespeare's plays are generally organised into Comedy, Tragedy and History genres. Some of
the conventions of Shakespeare's comedies are seen in this play. For example, there is plenty of
misunderstanding and miscommunication that leads to comic moments. The characters of
Dogberry and the Watch play the classic comic-fool role, and Benedick too can be seen as
foolish at times.
However there are also elements of tragedy in Much Ado About Nothing. The way that Hero's
death is faked is similar to the way Juliet takes a potion to make her appear lifeless in Romeo
and Juliet.
Analysing the evidence
O, she misused me past the endurance of a block! / an oak but with one green leaf on it would
have / answered her; my very visor began to assume life and / scold with her. She told me, not
thinking I had been / myself, that I was the prince's jester, that I was / duller than a great thaw;
huddling jest upon jest / with such impossible conveyance upon me that I stood / like a man at a
mark, with a whole army shooting at / me. She speaks poniards, and every word stabs:(Act 2
Scene 1)

Question

How does Shakespeare show that Benedick is upset by Beatrice?

Hide answer

How to analyse the quote:

"O, she misused me past the endurance of a block! / an oak but with one green leaf on
it would have / answered her; my very visor began to assume life and / scold with her.
She told me, not thinking I had been / myself, that I was the prince's jester, that I was /
duller than a great thaw; huddling jest upon jest / with such impossible conveyance upon
me that I stood / like a man at a mark, with a whole army shooting at / me. She speaks
poniards, and every word stabs:"

 "O, she misused me past the endurance of a block!" - this exclamation shows
Benedick's frustration with Beatrice. He compares himself to a block, unable to put up
with more abuse from her.
 "my very visor began to assume life" - Benedick imagines that Beatrice was so
objectionable that even the mask he is wearing almost comes to life. It is ironic that he
refers to his mask in this way as we learn later that this 'merry war' between the two
characters masks their true feelings of love.
 "every word stabs" - we see how Benedick is hurt by Beatrice's words. The imagery of
words that can 'stab' emphasises the pain he feels.
Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing

Beatrice is Benedick's equal, matching his wordplay in the opening scenes with clever retorts and
put-downs. Even from the start their lively banter seems to hide deeper feelings of desire.
When she overhears Hero and Ursula talking about how Benedick loves her, she is quick to
soften and acknowledge her own feelings for her former opponent.
She defends her cousin, Hero, when she is accused of being unfaithful and pleads with Benedick
to 'Kill Claudio!' She represents the inequality in society at the time, showing how, as a woman,
she is unable to take action and seek revenge.
In the end she agrees to marry Benedick, though she continues to tease him until he silences her
with a kiss.
How is Beatrice like
Evidence Analysis
this?
The sarcasm implied by
this nickname and the
"What, my dear Lady
Benedick greets her with question that Benedick
Disdain! Are you yet
Argumentative a nickname that means offers both show
living?" (Act 1 Scene
scornful. how their relationship is
1)
based on their quick-
witted arguments.
Beatrice speaks her
mind. When Benedick
"I wonder that you
returns from the wars,
will still be talking,
She puts Benedick down she shows her boldness
Bold Signior / Benedick;
in front of others. by speaking out against
nobody marks
him. She contrasts with
you." (Act 1 Scene 1)
Hero who is quiet and
well-behaved.
"By my troth, niece, Her outspokenness is
Leonato warns her that
thou wilt never get regarded as an
she will never be married
thee a / husband, if undesirable personality
Outspoken if she continues to be so
thou be so shrewd of trait. Women at the time
sharp in the way she
thy tongue." (Act 2 were expected to be
speaks.
Scene 1) discreet.
She claims she would
take revenge on Claudio
"O God, that I were a
She shows her if she were a man.
man! I would eat his
Frustrated by dissatisfaction with the The repetition of the
heart / in the market-
society role that society has phrase 'that I were a
place." (Act 4 Scene
dictated for women. man' in this scene
1)
emphasises her
frustration.
Social and historical context
The role of women in society was decidedly different during Shakespeare's time to today. Men
held a position of privilege and women were considered to be the property of their father or
husband. Beatrice shows her frustration with this injustice after Hero is left at the altar. She cries
out that she wishes she "were a man".
At the time, young male actors played all female roles, as the stage was not considered a suitable
place for women. This would have added further physical comedy to this play, as boys would
perform the parts of both Beatrice and Hero.
Analysing the evidence
As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable: / But who dare tell her so? If I should speak, / She
would mock me into air; O, she would laugh me / Out of myself, press me to death with wit. /
Therefore let Benedick, like cover'd fire, / Consume away in sighs, waste inwardly: / It were a
better death than die with mocks, / Which is as bad as die with tickling.(Act 3 Scene 1)

Question

How does Shakespeare use Hero's speech to tell us about Beatrice?

Hide answer

How to analyse the quote:

"As Beatrice is, cannot be commendable: / But who dare tell her so? If I should
speak, / She would mock me into air; O, she would laugh me / Out of myself, press me
to death with wit. / Therefore let Benedick, like cover'd fire, / Consume away in sighs,
waste inwardly: / It were a better death than die with mocks, / Which is as bad as die with
tickling."

 "who dare tell her so?" - Hero's question shows that many people are afraid to speak
out against Beatrice. Even though she knows that Beatrice is listening in at this point,
there is truth in what she says.
 "She would mock me into air" - Beatrice is known for her quick wit and sharp tongue.
Hero suggests that her ability to mock would make Hero vanish completely if she were
to tell her to her face about Benedick's love.
 "like cover'd fire, / Consume away in sighs" - Shakespeare uses a simile to exaggerate
the women's talk of Benedick's love. They suggest that he would be better wasting away
from love than revealing his heart to Beatrice.
Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing
Claudio is an honourable soldier and friend to Benedick and Don Pedro. He falls in love with
Hero at first sight, showing his romantic nature (although it could be argued that this hastiness
reveals an immaturity).
He asks for Hero's hand in marriage but is then tricked by Don John into believing that his wife-
to-be has been unfaithful. His behaviour at the wedding is cruel as he accuses Hero of dishonesty
in front of the congregation.
Later, when he hears Borachio's confession and realises his mistake, he is repentant. He
apologises to Leonato and agrees to marry Hero's cousin without even meeting her. He is
delighted at the second marriage to unveil his new wife and find she is actually his beloved Hero.
How is Claudio like
Evidence Analysis
this?
Whereas Benedick will fall
in love with Beatrice and her
"Is she not a modest sharp wit, Claudio falls in
He admires Hero for her
Conventional young lady?" (Act 1 love with Hero who
modesty and beauty.
Scene 1) demonstrates all the
conventional aspects of the
ideal Elizabethan woman.
 How is Claudio like
Evidence Analysis
this?
When Don John suggests Although he has agreed for
that Don Pedro is wooing Don Pedro to woo Hero on
"Farewell, therefore,
Easily Hero for his behalf he still reacts
Hero!" (Act 1 Scene
influenced himself, Claudio is quickly to Don John's
1)
quick to move to claim. This also shows his
jealousy. immaturity.
When he learns from Don "Give not this rotten
His rejection of Hero is
John that Hero has been orange to your
Hurtful made worse because he does
unfaithful, he denounces friend." (Act 4 Scene
it publicly.
her at the altar. 1)
Claudio claims that
When he admits his Leonato's generosity moves
"Your over-kindness
mistake, Claudio is him to tears. He agrees to
Repentant doth wring tears from
grateful for Leonato's marry Antonio’s daughter
me!" (Act 5 Scene 1)
understanding. to make up for his
mistake.
Social and historical context
Shakespeare often used plots and storylines from other writers and re-wrote his own versions. It's
a bit like the practice of turning a novel into a film today.
The story of Hero and Claudio is based on the Italian Matteo Bandello's tale of Sir Timbreo who
falls in love with Fenicia, the daughter of Lionato. In this version of the tale, Timbreo is tricked
into thinking his wife has been unfaithful to him. Where Shakespeare has Hero faint, Bandello's
story sees his leading lady fall into a death-like coma. Her father holds a funeral for her. Later
Timbreo discovers the truth and in a gesture of repentance he marries Fenicia's sister, who, of
course, turns out to be Fenicia herself.
Analysing the evidence
CLAUDIO

Thou thinkest I am in sport: I pray thee tell me

truly how thou likest her.

BENEDICK

Would you buy her, that you inquire after her?

CLAUDIO

Can the world buy such a jewel?

Act 1 Scene 1

Question

What do we learn about Claudio from his dialogue with Benedick?

Hide answer

CLAUDIO
Thou thinkest I am in sport: I pray thee tell me
truly how thou likest her.
BENEDICK
Would you buy her, that you inquire after her?
CLAUDIO
Can the world buy such a jewel?

 "I pray thee tell me" - Claudio is well-mannered and polite in the way he speaks. He
has respect for Benedick and his measured talk differs from the wordplay and mocking
tones that characterise Benedick.
 "Would you buy her, that you inquire after her?" - Benedick responds with a
question that seems to taunt Claudio. We can assume that Claudio is showing his love
for Hero.
 "Can the world buy such a jewel?" - He questions whether there could be another
woman as beautiful as Hero, though of course, this is unrealistic.
 Hero in Much Ado About Nothing
 Hero and Beatrice are contrasting characters
 Hero is the innocent and obedient daughter of Leonato. She contrasts with the more
outspoken and independent Beatrice and presents a conventional image of a suitable and
desirable wife.
 Claudio describes her as a 'jewel' when he first meets her and praises her for being
'modest'. He accuses her on their wedding day of being unfaithful, and she faints. The
Friar advises her father to pretend she is dead, to give her a chance of a life.
 At the end of the play, when Claudio has seen the error of his accusations, Hero is given
to him as a wife, in disguise as Antonio's daughter.
How is Hero like this? Evidence Analysis
"In mine eye she is the Claudio praises Hero for her
Hero is so beautiful that
sweetest lady that ever I beauty. She is also admired by
Beautiful Claudio falls in love with
looked on." (Act 1 Scene Don Pedro and is often referred
her at first sight.
1) to as 'fair Hero'.
We learn from about Hero from
the things that other characters
"Yes, faith; it is my
Beatrice tells Antonio say. Here Beatrice highlights
cousin's duty to make
that her cousin always how dutiful her cousin can be.
Obedient curtsy and say 'Father, as
does what her father She uses the words "duty",
it please you." (Act 2
asks. "curtsy" and "please" to
Scene 1)
emphasise Hero's obedient
nature.
When Claudio accuses her of
In comparison to
"I talk'd with no man at being with another man, he
Beatrice, Hero doesn't
Quiet that hour, my lord." (Act 4 uses elaborate language.
say much at all in the
Scene 1) However, Hero responds with
play.
simple, quiet truth.
 How is Hero like this?
Even though Claudio
humiliates her at the
Forgiving altar, Hero is prepared
to give him a second
chance.
Evidence Analysis
"And when I lived, I was
She reveals herself to Claudio
your other wife: / And
at the second wedding. Her
when you loved, you were
speech is straightforward and
my other husband." (Act 5
lacking in blame or resentment.
Scene 4)

 Don John in Much Ado About Nothing

 Don John is a thoroughly unpleasant character. Some readers say he is too evil to be
believed, He appears first in Act 1 Scene 1 as a sulky and bad-tempered character. He
says he is honest in that he admits his true nature, though in fact he is untrustworthy.
 He is jealous of Claudio and plots to damage the soldier's new-found romance with Hero.
With Borachio and Conrade, Don John sets up a scene that appears to show Hero being
unfaithful. The audience learns that they intend to trick Claudio by showing him
Margaret declaring her love for Borachio and making him think she is his wife-to-be.
 At the end of the play we learn that Don John has tried to escape but is arrested and
brought back to Messina.
How is Don John like
Evidence Analysis
this?
"I cannot hide what I am: I
He claims to be unable to
Don John describes must be sad when I have
hide his true self and will
Moody how he is ruled by his cause and smile / at no
show his sadness or joy as
moods. man's jests" (Act 1 Scene
it arises.
3)
He acknowledges that
"It must not be denied / but He seems to be honest about
he is a mischievous
Villainous I am a plain-dealing his villainy and admits that
and unpleasant
villain." (Act 1 Scene 3) his behaviour is bad.
character.
"He is enamoured on
At the masked ball, Although Don John seems
Hero; I pray you, dissuade
Don John pretends not honest in admitting that he is
him from her: she is no
to know who Claudio a villain, he is also dishonest
Dishonest equal for his birth: you
is and says that his with others. Here, he lies to
may / do the part of an
brother Don Pedro is Claudio about his
honest man in it." (Act 2
trying to woo Hero. brother’s motives.
Scene 1)
He is jealous of
Claudio and feels this as a
Don John openly physical sickness. His
"I am sick in displeasure
Resentful admits his dislike resentment towards the
to him." (Act 2 Scene 2)
of Claudio. 'young start-up' Claudio,
results in his plot to show
that Hero is unfaithful.

 Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing

 Don Pedro is the Prince of Arragon and Don John's brother. At the start of the play he
returns from the wars with Benedick and Claudio. When Claudio confesses that he is in
love with Hero, Don Pedro offers to woo her for him at the masked ball. He remains true
to his word, even though Claudio becomes suspicious.
  He is involved in the tricking of Benedick with Leonato and Claudio. In the orchard
scene he appears witty and light-hearted as he plays with words and sets up Benedick.
 He supports Claudio in denouncing Hero at the wedding and later joins his friend to make
amends by praying at her tomb.
How is Don Pedro
Evidence Analysis
like this?
When Claudio seems
Don Pedro shows his confidence
shy about approaching "Here, Claudio, I have wooed
and also his trustworthiness
Confident Hero, Don Pedro steps in thy name, and / fair Hero
in winning Hero's hand for
in to woo her on his is won." (Act 2 Scene 1)
Claudio.
friend's behalf.
He swears to join Claudio
in disgracing Hero if they
When Don John claims
"And, as I wooed for thee to discover she has been untruthful
that he knows Hero is
obtain her, I will join with to him. This can be seen as
Loyal unfaithful, Don Pedro
thee to disgrace her." (Act 3 loyalty and also as misguided.
pledges his allegiance
Scene 3) The men are prepared to put
to Claudio.
Hero down without asking for
her side of the story.
Don Pedro joins "The wolves have prey'd; and He summarises the events of the
Claudio to make look, the gentle day, / Before play using the imagery of nature
amends at the end of the wheels of Phoebus, round and myth. This seems to show a
Humble
the play and mourns about / Dapples the drowsy forgiving character, humble
with him publicly at east with spots of grey." (Act enough to give others a new
Hero's tomb. 5 Scene 3) chance.

 Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing


 Leonato is the Duke of Messina, Hero's father and Beatrice's uncle. At the start of the
play he welcomes the soldiers to his home.
 He is presented as a protective and caring father and a gracious host. He holds a masked
ball for his guests. Later he is involved in tricking Benedick in the orchard, perhaps as
part of his patriarchal feelings towards his niece, Beatrice.
 At the wedding when Hero is accused by Claudio, Leonato's focus is on his own sense of
dishonour and he wishes for his own death, as well as his daughter's. However, he is also
forgiving as shown by the way he allows Claudio to marry his daughter at the end of the
play.
How is Leonato
Evidence Analysis
like this?
"I tell him we shall
stay here at / the
He invites Don
least a month; and Don Pedro says that Leonato 'prays'
Pedro and the
he heartily prays for a reason for the soldiers to stay
Generous other soldiers to
some / occasion may longer than a month. This shows
stay with him for
detain us his generosity to his guests.
a month or more.
longer." (Act 1
Scene 1)
 How is Leonato
Evidence Analysis
like this?
"By my troth, niece,
He wants his thou wilt never get
He worries that Beatrice is too
daughter and his thee a husband, if
Patriarchal 'shrewd' to be desirable. His concern
niece to find thou be so shrewd of
reveals his patriarchal attitude.
husbands. thy tongue." (Act 2
Scene 1)
When Hero is "Hath no man's His sense of dishonour is so great
accused at the dagger here a point that he would prefer suicide than to
Honourable
altar, Leonato for me?" (Act 4 live with the disgrace of his
wishes to die. Scene 1) daughter's apparent misbehaviour.

 Герой много шума из ничего


 Герой и Беатрис - противоположные персонажи
 Герой - невинная и послушная дочь Леонато. Она контрастирует с более
откровенной и независимой Беатрис и представляет собой условный
образ подходящей и желанной жены.
 Клаудио описывает ее как «жемчужину», когда впервые встречает ее, и хвалит ее
за «скромность». В день свадьбы он обвиняет ее в неверности, и она теряет
сознание. Монах советует отцу притвориться мертвым, чтобы дать ей шанс на
жизнь.
 В конце пьесы, когда Клаудио увидел ошибочность своих обвинений, Герой
отдается ему в качестве жены, замаскированной под дочь Антонио.
Как Герой такой? Свидетельство Анализ
«В моих глазах она
Клаудио хвалит Героя за
Герой настолько самая милая
красоту . Также ею
прекрасен, что Клаудио женщина, на
Красивый восхищается Дон Педро, и
влюбляется в нее с первого которую я когда-
ее часто называют
взгляда. либо смотрел». (Акт
«честным героем».
1, сцена 1)
Мы узнаем о Герое из того,
что говорят другие
персонажи. Здесь Беатрис
«Да, вера, мой кузен
подчеркивает, насколько
обязан сделать
Беатрис говорит Антонио, послушной может быть ее
реверанс и сказать:«
Покорный что ее кузен всегда делает кузина. Она
Отец, как тебе
то, что просит ее отец. использует слова «долг»,
угодно ».  (Акт 2,
«реверанс» и
сцена 1)
«пожалуйста», чтобы
подчеркнуть послушный
характер Героя .
Тихий По сравнению с «В тот час я ни с Когда Клаудио обвиняет ее
Беатрис, Герой в кем не разговаривал, в том, что она с другим
пьесе почти ничего не милорд». (Акт 4, мужчиной, он использует
говорит . сцена 1) сложные
выражения. Однако Герой
 Как Герой такой? Свидетельство Анализ
отвечает простой, тихой
правдой.
«И когда я жила, я
была другой твоей
Несмотря на то, что Она открывается Клаудио
женой: / И когда ты
Клаудио унижает ее у на второй свадьбе. Ее речь
Прощение любила, ты была
алтаря, Герой готов дать прямолинейна, в ней нет ни
другим моим
ему второй шанс . обвинений, ни обид.
мужем». (Акт 5,
сцена 4)

Дон Джон в "Много шума из ничего"

Дон Джон - совершенно неприятный персонаж . Некоторые читатели говорят, что он

слишком злой, чтобы в это поверить. Сначала он появляется в первой сцене первого акта
как угрюмый и вспыльчивый персонаж. Он говорит, что честен в том, что признает
свою истинную природу, хотя на самом деле ему нельзя доверять .
Он ревнует к Клаудио и замышляет разрушить новообретенный роман солдата с
Героем. Вместе с Борачио и Конраде Дон Джон устраивает сцену, которая, кажется,
показывает, что Герой изменяет. Зрители узнают, что они намерены обмануть Клаудио,
показывая ему Маргарет, признающуюся в любви к Борачио и заставляя его думать, что
она его будущая жена.
В конце пьесы мы узнаем, что Дон Джон пытался сбежать, но был арестован и возвращен
в Мессину.
Как Дон Джон
Свидетельство Анализ
такой?
«Я не могу скрыть
то, что я есть: мне
должно быть Он утверждает, что не может
Дон Джон
грустно, когда у меня скрыть свое истинное «я» и будет
описывает, как им
угрюмый есть причина и показывать свою печаль или
управляют его
улыбаюсь / на радость по мере их
настроения.
ничейные возникновения .
шутки» (Акт 1, Сцена
3)
«Это нельзя
Он признает, что он
отрицать, но я Он, кажется, честно говорит о
озорной и
Злодейский откровенный своем подлости и признает, что
неприятный
злодей». (Акт 1, сцена ведет себя плохо.
персонаж.
3)
Нечестный На балу-маскараде «Он влюблен в Героя; Хотя Дон Джон кажется честным в
Дон Джон прошу вас, признании себя злодеем, он также
притворяется, что отговорите его от нечестен по отношению к
не знает, кто такой нее: ей нет равных по другим. Здесь он лжет Клаудио о
Клаудио, и говорит, его рождению: вы мотивах своего брата.
что его брат Дон можете / сыграть в
Педро пытается этом роль честного
 Как Дон Джон
Свидетельство Анализ
такой?
человека». (Акт 2,
ухаживать за Хиро.
сцена 1)
Он ревнует к Клаудио и
воспринимает это как
Дон Джон открыто физическую болезнь. Его
«Я болен от
признает свою обида на «молодой
Обиженный недовольства
неприязнь к стартап» Клаудио
им». (Акт 2, сцена 2)
Клаудио. приводит к его заговору,
чтобы показать, что
Герой неверен.

Дон Педро в "Много шума из ничего"

Дон Педро - принц Аррагона и брат Дона Джона. В начале спектакля он возвращается с
войны с Бенедиком и Клаудио. Когда Клаудио признается, что влюблен в Героя, дон
Педро предлагает ухаживать за ней на балу-маскараде. Он остается верным своему слову,
даже несмотря на то, что Клаудио становится подозрительным.
Он участвует в обмане Бенедика с Леонато и Клаудио. В сцене с садом он выглядит
остроумным и беззаботным, играя словами и подставляя Бенедика.
Он поддерживает Клаудио в разоблачение Герой на свадьбе, а затем присоединяется к
своему другу, чтобы загладить вину, помолившись у ее могилы.
Как Дон Педро такой? Свидетельство Анализ
Когда Клаудио
стесняется Дон Педро показывает
«Вот, Клаудио, я ухаживал
приближаться к Геро, свою уверенность, а также
за твоим именем, и
Уверенный Дон Педро свою
честный Герой
вмешивается, чтобы надежность, выиграв
выиграл». (Акт 2, сцена 1)
ухаживать за ней от руку Героя для Клаудио.
имени своего друга.
Он клянется
присоединиться к Клаудио
в опозорении Героя, если
Когда дон Джон «И поскольку я уговаривал они обнаружат, что она
заявляет, что знает, что тебя заполучить ее, я лгала ему. Это можно
Верный Герой неверен, дон присоединюсь к тебе, рассматривать как
Педро клянется в чтобы опозорить ее». (Акт лояльность, а также как
верности Клаудио. 3, сцена 3) заблуждение. Мужчины
готовы подавить Героя, не
спрашивая ее стороны
истории.
Скромный Дон Педро «Волки охотятся; и Он резюмирует события
присоединяется к посмотри, нежный день, / спектакля, используя
Клаудио, чтобы Перед колесами Феба, образы природы и
загладить вину в вокруг / Засыпает сонный мифа. Кажется, это
конце пьесы, и восток серыми проявляет
 Как Дон Педро такой? Свидетельство Анализ
снисходительный
публично оплакивает характер, достаточно
пятнами». (Акт 5, сцена 3)
его у могилы Героя. скромный, чтобы дать
другим новый шанс

Леонато в "Много шума из ничего"

Леонато - герцог Мессинский, отец Героя и дядя Беатрис. В начале спектакля он

приветствует солдат к себе домой.
Он представлен как защитный и заботливый отец и любезный хозяин. Он держит бал-
маскарад для своих гостей. Позже он участвует в обмане Бенедика в саду, возможно, как
часть егопатриархальный чувства к своей племяннице Беатрис.
На свадьбе, когда Героя обвиняет Клаудио, Леонато сосредоточен на собственном чувстве
бесчестия и желает смерти своей собственной, а также своей дочери. Тем не менее, он
также прощает, о чем свидетельствует то, как он позволяет Клаудио жениться на его
дочери в конце пьесы.
Как Леонато
Свидетельство Анализ
такой?
«Я говорю ему, что мы
Он приглашает останемся здесь как Дон Педро говорит, что
дона Педро и минимум на месяц; и он Леонато «молится» о том,
других солдат сердечно молится, чтобы солдаты остались
Щедрый
остаться с ним чтобы какой-нибудь дольше месяца. Это
на месяц или случай задержал нас показывает его щедрость к
больше. подольше». (Акт 1, сцена своим гостям.
1)
«Клянусь моей честью,
Его беспокоит, что Беатрис
Он хочет, чтобы племянница, ты никогда
слишком «проницательна»,
Патриархаль его дочь и не получишь себе мужа,
чтобы быть желанной. Его
ный племянница если будешь так
забота показывает его
нашли мужей . проницательна в своем
патриархальное отношение.
языке». (Акт 2, сцена 1)
Его чувство бесчестия
Когда Героя настолько велико, что он
"Разве здесь нет
обвиняют у алтаря, предпочел бы
Почетный мужского кинжала для
Леонато желает самоубийство, чем жить с
меня?" (Акт 4, сцена 1)
умереть. позором очевидного
проступка своей дочери.

Much Ado About Nothing - Themes overview

There are many themes running through this comedy by Shakespeare, including love, confusion
and the theme of 'nothing' itself. In this story of crossed wires, hidden identities and feelings,
honour and deceit, we are also presented with themes of friendship and marriage.
There are many themes in Much Ado About Nothing which could be analysed. These include:

 nothingness
 love
 appearances and reality
On the surface Much Ado About Nothing is a light-hearted comedy, but there are darker themes
of dishonour, death and deceit running beneath the humour.
Nothing and noting in Much Ado About Nothing

The title of this play refers to one of its main themes. 'Nothing' implies that the concerns of the play are
trivial.

The word 'nothing' in Shakespearean times was pronounced 'noting' and so the title itself is
a pun. There are many instances of 'noting' throughout the play: Claudio notes Hero's beauty,
both Benedick and Beatrice note the words of their friends that lead them to love, Claudio and
Don Pedro note Don John's trick to make them believe Hero is unfaithful. 'Noting' implies that
the play deals with characters paying attention to each other and listening to what each other has
to say.
'Nothing' was also a euphemism in Elizabethan times, referring to the female genitalia. The
theme also refers to sexual desire and the quest for love.
How is 'noting'/'nothing' shown in the play?
In Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare shows the theme of nothing and noting
through:

 the title
 Claudio's noting of Hero
 Beatrice and Benedick's eavesdropping
How does Shakespeare show
Evidence Analysis
this?
The theme of the play is clear
The play opens with light- This comedic opening seems
from the title, which can imply
The title hearted banter between to support the trivial nature
that the events of the play are
Beatrice and Benedick. of what will follow.
ultimately trivial.
The theme of 'noting' is
Claudio falls instantly in love "Benedick, didst thou note
Claudio's made clear from the start
with Hero and asks Benedick the daughter of Signior
noting of Hero when Claudio seeks
whether he too has noted her. Leonato?" (Act 1 Scene 1)
approval from his friend.
Don Pedro plays on the
word 'note' before Balthasar
"Why, these are very
Beatrice and When Benedick is deceived and sings in the orchard. He
crotchets that he speaks; /
Benedick's Beatrice is tricked, both 'note' knows that Benedick is
Note, notes, forsooth, and
eavesdropping the words of their friends. hiding and will 'note'
nothing."  (Act 2 Scene 3)
everything that Don Pedro
and the others have to say.
Analysing the evidence
Question

How does Shakespeare use the theme of nothing and noting in Much Ado About Nothing?
answer
 To create comedy, highlighting the trivial nature of the action.
 To show how foolish men can be in their pursuit of love.
 To explore how 'noting' can cause problems.

Love in Much Ado About Nothing

Love is a main idea in this play and is shown through the partnerships between Claudio and
Hero, Benedick and Beatrice and also through the paternal love that Leonato shows for his
daughter and niece.
Claudio's love for Hero is often regarded as superficial. He seems to fall in love with her because
she fits the model of an ideal woman: modest, beautiful and obedient. Beatrice and Benedick, on
the other hand, are each in denial of their love and need to be tricked by their friends into
realising their true feelings. Ultimately their love seems more real and true.
In the end, both pairs are married and love is triumphant.
How is the theme of love shown in the play?
In Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare shows the theme of love through:

 Claudio falling in love with Hero

 Benedick realising his love for Beatrice
 Leonato's love for his daughter and niece
How does Shakespeare
Evidence Analysis
show this?
Claudio "In mine eye she is the
Claudio declares his He is in love at first sight, showing
falls in sweetest lady that ever I
love for Hero to that he is romantic and, it might
love with looked on." (Act 1 Scene
Benedick. be argued, superficial.
Hero 1)
Benedick After eavesdropping on Although we see Benedick's
realises his friends in the "I do spy some marks of softening towards Beatrice, his
his love orchard, Benedick love in her." (Act 2 Scene change of heart can be seen as
for decides he loves 3) arrogant. He hadn't noted any
Beatrice Beatrice. love in Beatrice until now.
Leonato Although we find this attitude
Leonato wants his
loves his "Well, niece, I hope to see patronising in today's society,
daughter and his niece
daughter you one day fitted with a Leonato shows his love by wishing
to find suitable
and husband." (Act 2 Scene 1) that his charges will be well-
husbands.
niece married.
Analysing the evidence
Question

How is love presented in Much Ado About Nothing?

Hide answer
  Love is sometimes presented as superficial – Claudio falls in love with an ideal of a woman
rather than the reality.
 The love between Benedick and Beatrice seems to be hidden to themselves. Their friends have
to trick them into realising their feelings.
 Love is seen as protective as well as romantic through Leonato’s wish for his daughter and niece.
Appearances and reality in Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare uses this play to show how appearance and reality are not always the same thing.
At the beginning we see the apparent enemies, Benedick and Beatrice, engaging in witty banter that
verges sometimes on the cruel. However, they are tricked into acknowledging their real feelings of love
for one another.

Other examples of this theme can be seen in the masked ball, where mistaken identity is the
cause of confusion and upset for both Claudio and Benedick. In the gulling scene, Benedick
appears to hear his friends talk about Beatrice's love for him, but in reality the audience knows
they are playing a trick.
In darker examples of the theme, Don John fools Claudio into believing his wife-to-be is
untrustworthy by apparently showing him a scene of unfaithfulness. When Hero is accused,
Leonato makes it appear that his daughter is dead.
How is the theme of appearances and reality shown in the play?
In Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare examines how appearances can sometimes be
deceptive. Some of the key aspects are:

 Benedick and Beatrice appearing to be enemies

 Hero's apparent infidelity
 Hero's apparent death
How does Shakespeare
Evidence Analysis
show this?
Benedick
Although they appear to dislike
and
When the pair first meet, "I / am loved of all ladies, one another, both are easily
Beatrice
they bicker and taunt one only you excepted: " (Act 1 persuaded of the other's love by
appear
another. Scene 1) the tricks that their friends play
to be
on them.
enemies
Claudio is tricked into
Claudio is convinced by what
thinking that Hero is "Proof enough to misuse
Hero's appears to be Hero's
unfaithful when Borachio the prince, to vex Claudio,
apparent unfaithfulness. However, the
sets up a scene in the to undo Hero and kill
infidelity audience knows that this is not
window that makes it Leonato." (Act 2 Scene 2)
the reality.
appear that Hero loves him.
 How does Shakespeare
show this?
Hero faints after Claudio's
accusation and Leonato is
Hero's
advised to pretend his
apparent
daughter is dead. Hero
death
appears dead, but in reality
is taken into hiding.
Analysing the evidence
Question
Evidence Analysis
Later, when Claudio discovers the
"Let her awhile be secretly
truth, he agrees to marry
kept in, And publish it that
Antonio's daughter 'unseen'.
she is dead indeed;" (Act 4
What appears to be a new wife
Scene 1)
turns out, in reality, to be Hero.

What elements of appearance and reality does Shakespeare highlight in this Much Ado
About Nothing?

 Shakespeare shows that appearances can be deceiving and that the reality can
be something quite different.
 He shows that the reality of love depends on more than appearances. Benedick
and Beatrice's connection, with their equal wit, seems more reliable than that of
Claudio and Hero which relies on looks.
 The truth seems to be hidden at times, as we see in the cruel trick that Don John
and Borachio set up.
Use of form in Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing is a play and so is intended for performance. The script makes more
sense when read aloud and coupled with stage directions.
It is largely written in blank verse. Most lines use iambic pentameter (ten syllables) which are
organised in five pairs. The first syllable is weak, the second stronger. So if we look at a typical
line, we can show the weak or unstressed syllable with an 'x' above it, and the stressed syllable
with an '/' above it.
In this example Claudio is saying goodbye to Hero:
This follows the patterns of natural speech and is used by Shakespeare to draw attention to
particular words and ideas.
When describing form in Much Ado About Nothing, you can refer to:

 the fact that it is a play and meant to be performed

 blank verse
 the comedy genre
Evidence of the form used
Blank verse
Blank verse is usually reserved by Shakespeare for higher status characters. Notice how the
Watch speak in prose. This lets the audience know that they are lower status characters and also
adds to the comedic effect.
Comedy genre
In Shakespeare's comedies we tend to find wordplay and confusions. There are lots of examples
in Much Ado About Nothing of mistaken identity, overheard conversations and
 misunderstandings. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony, in which the audience is aware of things
that the characters are not, to create comedy.
1. blank verse
Lines in a poem that don't rhyme, usually in iambic pentameter - five two-
syllable feet per line.
2. dramatic irony
When the audience or reader knows something important which the main
character does not.
3. iambic pentameter
Line of verse written in five pairs of syllables each made up by an unstressed
syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
Use of structure in Much Ado About Nothing

The play is set out in five acts. This is a typical structure that follows a pattern of building to a
climax or important turning point – in this case, the rejection of Hero at the altar. The final act
sees the truth come out, everyone reconciled and ends with happy marriages, music and dancing.
When writing about structure, think about:

 How is the text put together?

 What is significant about this?
 How does it reflect the themes of the text?
 What is the overall effect of the structure?
Evidence of the structure used
Build-up of tension
The tension begins in this play with the light-hearted fighting between Beatrice and Benedick.
There is a hint of unpleasant deeds to follow when we meet the bad-tempered Don John in Act 1
and we watch his plot to undo Claudio unfurl. Alongside his evil trickery, there is the parallel,
but well-intentioned, misleading of Beatrice and Benedick by their friends. As one couple are
pulled apart, the other is drawn together. Each pair is the victim of nothing more than words and
false appearances, which relates to the title of the play.
How to analyse structure
How important is the overall structure of this play?

 The structure builds tension and keeps the audience engaged – we want to find out how
everything will turn out.
 It has parallel plots that mirror each other.
 How does it reflect the themes of the text?
 Everything is reconciled in the end, leaving the audience satisfied that all is again well in the
world.
Use of language in Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare uses language to create both comedy and tragedy in this play and to present
characters and scenes that are entertaining. The witty banter between Beatrice and Benedick is
lively and amusing. This contrasts with the dark, brooding language of Don John and the caring,
wise words of Don Pedro.
Shakespeare uses original language and wordplay to keep the audience engaged.
When analysing the language Shakespeare has used, aim to:
 examine words and phrases
 think about the sorts of words he chooses (positive, negative, descriptive)
 explore layers of meaning (what else could a phrase refer to or suggest?)
 notice any literary techniques (simile, metaphor, alliteration)
 explain the effects of the language used – how does it make you feel?
Evidence and explanation of the language used
Here are some examples of language choices which Shakespeare makes.
Wordplay
How and why does Shakespeare use wordplay?
Shakespeare's characters often play on the different meanings of words. Dogberry, for example,
uses his words incorrectly. This shows how words are open to interpretation and that nothing is
as it seems. It also provides comic relief for the audience.
Simile
How and why does Shakespeare use similes?
Beatrice says that Benedick 'will hang upon [Claudio] like a disease'. The simile suggests that
Benedick will be a bad influence on Claudio. From this, we learn that Beatrice dislikes Benedick
from the start.
Metaphor
How and why does Shakespeare use metaphors?
Claudio rejects Hero at the altar by calling her a 'rotten orange'. The phrase creates an image of
something that should be fresh and delightful as ruined. The effect on the audience is that they
feel sympathy for Hero, who they know to be far from 'rotten'.
Personification
How and why does Shakespeare use personification?
In Act 1 Scene 1, Leonato says that when Don Pedro departs, 'sorrow abides and happiness takes
his leave'. The personification of 'sorrow' and 'happiness' make them seem like characters that
accompany Don Pedro. Leonato's love for his friend is therefore emphasised by the language he
uses.
Repetition
How does Shakespeare use repetition?
After the failed wedding in Act 5 Scene 2, Beatrice says 'Foul words is but foul wind, and foul
wind is but / foul breath, and foul breath is noisome.' The repetition of the word 'foul' emphasises
Beatrice's upset. Whereas her language has been eloquent and varied up to this point in the play,
when Beatrice is distressed she repeats herself.
How to analyse language in Much Ado About Nothing
Here is an example of Shakespeare's word play. It is from Act 1 Scene 1, when Beatrice and
Benedick first meet.
BEATRICE
I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior
Benedick: nobody marks you.
BENEDICK
What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?
BEATRICE
 Is it possible disdain should die while she hath
such meet food to feed it as Signior Benedick?
Courtesy itself must convert to disdain, if you come
in her presence.
BENEDICK
Then is courtesy a turncoat. But it is certain I
am loved of all ladies, only you excepted: and I
would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard
heart; for, truly, I love none.
Act 1 Scene 1
Analyse this quotation and explore how the language creates a sense of place:

 "nobody marks you" - creates a sense of her disrespect for him. The word 'mark' could
also refer to his role as a soldier, playing on the idea of being a 'marksman'.
 "my dear Lady Disdain" - the contrast between 'my dear', a loving term, and 'Lady
Disdain' highlights Benedick's conflicting feelings for Beatrice.
 "such meet food to feed it" - the related words 'food' and 'feed' suggest that their
relationship is essential.
 "Then is courtesy a turncoat" - this personification of 'courtesy' suggests betrayal,
which hints at later themes in the play.
 "heart that I had not a hard heart" - alliteration implies that his heart is not as hard as
Benedick insists. The 'h' is a soft sound.