Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Published: 1623
Country: United Kingdom
The phrase Much Ado About Nothing has passed into the language. It is most commonly used to describe a chaotic fuss which leads nowhere. Shakespeare’s play, however, provides a distinct resolution, which, being a comedy, provides a happy outcome for those who deserve happiness.
The verbal bickering of Beatrice and Benedick, with its brilliant sharpness and wit, is the essence of a play where lovers can be intelligent, not merely conventional. The sexually charged word nothing also stands for the frequent misunderstandings rising from noting, that is listening, observing and eavesdropping. What in another kind of play might be tragic – being tricked into believing something untrue – is changed into comedy, so that what emerges at the end is nothing!
The strength of mind, and mutual respect, despite all differences and obstacles, of the two main characters, give the play its modern appeal. “I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me,” Beatrice memorably remarks. Yet in the end “Lady Disdain” does love Benedick, and there is indeed much ado before that truth can be acknowledged.
See more on much Ado About Nothing
- ACTS - Explore the structure of the play Much Ado About Nothing
- CHARACTERS - Explore the roles of the main characters
- THEMES - Explore the themes of love, marriage and morality in Much Ado About Nothing
Much Ado About Nothing essays
Discover more about Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare and gain tips for essays and coursework with our study guide at Marked by Teachers.
An exploration of the theme of love in Much Ado About Nothing.
Katy Fullilove An Exploration of the Theme of Love in Much Ado About Nothing The Shakespeare comedy Much Ado About Nothing is considered to be a play about deception. However, love...
The strength of Much Ado About Nothing lies in its balance of contrasting elements.
The strength of Much Ado about Nothing lies in its balance of contrasting elements. Do you agree? Much Ado about Nothing is a romantic comedy which...
In 'Much Ado about Nothing', Shakespeare presents us with a conventional and unconventional heroine in Hero and Beatrice. Which do you prefer?
In 'Much Ado about Nothing', Shakespeare presents us with a conventional and unconventional heroine in Hero and Beatrice. Which do...
Much Ado About Nothing' was written in the years 1598-9 and was know for its genre, which is a classic comedy. The comedy of 'Much Ado About Nothing'
There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signor Benedick and her
Much Ado About Nothing Critique
How does Shakespeare present Love and Romance in Much Ado about nothing, through the relationships of Hero & Claudio and Benedick and Beatrice?
Shakespeare(TM)s Much Ado about Nothing Directors Essay: What advice would you give to Beatrice when responding to Benedick?
Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing Directors Essay - What advice would you give to Beatrice when responding to Benedick?