Explore Shakespeare's Presentation of Relationships in Messina.

The first 200 words of this essay...

Explore Shakespeare's Presentation of Relationships in Messina

Shakespeare produced the comedy 'Much Ado About Nothing' in Seventeenth century England. The play is set in Messina, Sicily and follows the story of two young lovers-Hero and Claudio, and also the more complex relationship of Beatrice and Benedick. We can see that relationships are of central aspect to the play, whether it be of romance, family or friendship. The setting of the play is described as 'A lively, sociable world presented through its etiquettes and enjoyments, and framed in a context of companionable localities.'(i) We know that the play is a comedy, which is most likely why the play is set in such a happy, warm and entertaining place-to set the right atmosphere. There are many themes shown throughout the play, Love being of foremost importance and significance, and also Deception, Marriage and Society, Honour and Slander.

The play opens with the discussion between the messenger and Leonato of the outcome of the war. However we can immediately notice that the war isn't really affecting those in Messina as they are talking about the issue as though it has no relevance to their lives. 'But few of