Much Ado about Nothing is one of the classic comedies of Shakespeare. It features the sparkling battle of wits between Beatrice and Benedick, two star-crossed lovers who act as if they can’t stand each other, but secretly are in love with each other!
Much Ado about Nothing is one of the classic comedies of Shakespeare. It features the sparkling battle of wits between Beatrice and Benedick, two star-crossed lovers who act as if they can’t stand each other, but secretly are in love with each other! The interplay between the humor of the main plot and the tragic elements of the sub-plot are fascinating, and bring out clearly one of the main themes of the play: how can irresponsible boys turn into mature young men? This play also explores issues that are relevant to us today: specifically, how do we sort through the lies that people in society are telling us, in order to arrive at the truth? Portions of the play will be read aloud in class, with students taking part as characters if they wish.
Introduction
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
Act Four
Act Five and Conclusion
Course Materials: Much Ado about Nothing, any notated edition. No Fear Shakespeare is a good online resource for the text and a helpful side-by-side modern paraphrase.
Homework: A close reading of each Act will probably take about an hour per week. There are weekly quizzes and a Final Essay.