Explore Shakespeare's Presentation of Relationships in Messina.

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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 any sort, and none of name.’ Shakespeare has also chosen to open the play with the reading of a letter, something which was popularly used by Shakespeare in many of his plays. It also lets us know a bit about the world outside Messina, where the war is going on, showing us that bad things are happening, yet in Messina everyone continues to be happy and carefree.

        Hero and Claudio’s relationship is by far the most inevitable and traditional relationship of Love within the play. Shakespeare used these two shy characters to portray what seems like a fairytale relationship at first between two people who barely know eachother. Claudio plays the role of the corny, romantic boy who falls in love with Hero at first sight. This type of character is found in many of Shakespeare’s plays, eg: Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. Claudio is portrayed as quite a serious character, whereas on the other hand, his friend Benedick is loud and witty. Shakespeare has made their characters so contrasting to show how Claudio is so conventional and lacks wit, whereas Benedick plays an alternative role showing sharp wit, humour and cynicism. It has been said that the relationship of Hero and Claudio is the spine of the play, and the arising love between Benedick and Beatrice neatly compliments the story and shows the diversity of different types of relationships set in Messina. Claudio obviously regards Benedick highly as he asks for his opinion of Hero when he first sees her.

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‘Benedick, didst thou note the daughter of Signor Leonato?’

Noting is also an underlying theme throughout the play and is used often. Its meaning is literal of the word, simply meaning taking notice of something by spying or eavesdropping. This holds importance because noting happens the whole way through the play, and is sometimes the cause of major events, such as when Claudio sees what he thinks is Hero with another man when he spies on her through her window. This in turn leads to him making a fool of her at the wedding ceremony and causing their dramatized break ...

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