Analysis of Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare's play, Much Ado About Nothing, a clever mix of comedy and tragedy, seems to have two sets of starring roles. The story of Claudio and Hero seems to be the main plot and that of Benedick and Beatrice, presumably the lesser story line. Although the account of Claudio and Hero is compelling, it is the witty exchange, their professed contempt for marriage, the simple plot to trick them into entertaining the thought of loving each other and the eventual professions of love that keeps the audience's attention in this play.
The play begins with Beatrice berating him before he has even entered the scene by saying to the messenger coming to alert Leonato, Hero, and Beatrice of the returning soldiers, "You had must victual, and he hath holp to eat it. He is a very valiant trencherman. He hath an excellent stomach" (1.1.50). This could translate to say that Benedick has fed the messenger a load of crap. When Benedick comes onto the scene the two begin the clever banter. "Beatrice: I wonder that you are still talking, Signor Benedick. Nobody marks you. Benedick: What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?" (1.1.114-117) Beatrice is telling Benedick that nobody cares what he has to say and Benedick is asking Beatrice if she is dead yet. It is just this sort of exchange that keeps them in fits of laughter.
Shakespeare's play, Much Ado About Nothing, a clever mix of comedy and tragedy, seems to have two sets of starring roles. The story of Claudio and Hero seems to be the main plot and that of Benedick and Beatrice, presumably the lesser story line. Although the account of Claudio and Hero is compelling, it is the witty exchange, their professed contempt for marriage, the simple plot to trick them into entertaining the thought of loving each other and the eventual professions of love that keeps the audience's attention in this play.
The play begins with Beatrice berating him before he has even entered the scene by saying to the messenger coming to alert Leonato, Hero, and Beatrice of the returning soldiers, "You had must victual, and he hath holp to eat it. He is a very valiant trencherman. He hath an excellent stomach" (1.1.50). This could translate to say that Benedick has fed the messenger a load of crap. When Benedick comes onto the scene the two begin the clever banter. "Beatrice: I wonder that you are still talking, Signor Benedick. Nobody marks you. Benedick: What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?" (1.1.114-117) Beatrice is telling Benedick that nobody cares what he has to say and Benedick is asking Beatrice if she is dead yet. It is just this sort of exchange that keeps them in fits of laughter.
