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Elements of the comedy in much ado about nothing
Comical themes in much ado about nothing
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Recommended: Elements of the comedy in much ado about nothing
Disguise and deception are central to ‘Much Ado about Nothing’. Not only are they effective comedic plot devices but they are pivotal to the overall construction and establishment of the plot. The masked ball scene, is pivotal to the plot as it sets up the events for the rest of the play, Hero and Claudio are to be together, with the help of Don Pedro. Furthermore, deception as a form of manipulation, as Don Pedro and Claudio convince Benedict that Beatrice is in love with him. The following scene is staged as a parallel, when Hero and Margaret, through deception, convince Beatrice that Benedick that loves her; thus conveying deception in a positive way. Moreover, the audience witness self deception, when Leonato is told that Don Pedro, Prince …show more content…
Shakespeare uses this setting as it gives the characters that attend a sense of freedom as they are, for the first time in the play, released from their social status and hierarchy that comes with being nobility in society. They are released from the social etiquette which follows being in the elite and are thus able to, through the form of disguise be free. It is in this scene that we learn more about the Elizabethan marriage and relationships. The ‘masked ball’ setting allows for this “merry war” to continue between Beatrice and Benedick. Shakespeare uses this oxymoron to portray the way in which Beatrice and Benedick have these great battles of words; Leonato, uses this phrase to cover their vicious arguments and make it seem that it is really just fun, “Signor Montanto”, whereas the comments are actually more cutting. The first thing that Benedick says to Beatrice is, “What, my dear Lady Disdain! Are you yet living?", crossing the fine line of comedy and mortality, seemingly disappointed that she is not dead! However, this time with Benedick disguised thinking that Beatrice doesn’t know that it is him, but of course she does, “well, this was Signor Benedick that said so. What’s he?”. This act of deliberate deception defiantly adds to the comic plot of the play as Beatrice portrays her fine wit and intelligence, whilst …show more content…
Furthermore, the disguise of Margret as Hero is one of the plays most poignant scenes of disguise and deception as Shakespeare uses this key motif of fashion to disguise and therefore conceal Margaret’s identity as well as Hero deceiving Claudio to think she is dead. One can see that without the theme of deception pulsing through ‘Much Ado about Nothing’ then the comedic plots would not be achieved, as well as not creating such a significant story line captivating the audience. As the critic Dover Wilson said, “Eavesdropping and misinterpretation, disguise and deceit - sometimes for evil ends, but generally in fun and with a comic upshot - such are the designs in the dramatic pattern of Much Ado”. The only character that is not deceived in ‘Much Ado’ is the Friar Francis, perhaps this reflects on the fact that God is the only being that can ‘see the light’, can see through all the deceit and
Have you ever been tricked or deceived? Have you ever been tricked into dating someone you like because you thought what you were told was true? In the book Much Ado About Nothing trickery and deceit is used a lot to get the characters to fall for one another even the ones who say they don’t love one another end up getting involved intimately with each other. For Example, trickery and deception takes place when Don Pedro tells Claudio that he will woo Hero for Claudio to marry her. Tricking her to believe that Don Pedro has feelings for Hero. Don Pedro says Claudio, I will assume thy part in disguise and tell fair Hero that I am Claudio, and in her bosom I’ll unclasp my heart, and take her prisoner with the force and strong encounter of
Much Ado About Nothing, though a critically acclaimed play, seems to be truly a fuss of trivial details and sexist thinking. The title fits the play itself, in the sense that it is a case of a great amount of nothing, which perhaps can be assumed to be a mistake on William Shakespeare's part.
William Shakespeare is known for his use of dramatic irony and complicated story lines. In Much Ado About Nothing, he also adds in the element of disguise to what the characters know, or what they think they know. There are multiple characters trying to ensnare others in different facades, whether it be for better or for worse. The deception and illusion in the play can either assist the characters or completely shatter the situation, but in both cases, Shakespeare advises us to infer about what we hear or see before we jump to conclusions.
Beatrice and Benedick show their apparent distaste for each other right from the first scene. Beatrice mocks Benedick to the Governor of Messina, claiming that she always beats him in a battle of wits and the last time they crossed paths Benedict’s “five wits went halting off, and now is the whole man governed by one” (1,1,50). Clearly relishing resuming their ‘merry war’, Beatrice cuts Benedick down at the first opportunity, telling him “I wonder that you still will be talking, Signor Benedick, nobody marks you” (1,1,105). Incredulously, Benedick retorts, “what my dear lady distain! Are you yet living?” (1,1,95). So, the dynamic of the two is set and it goes on from there in the same vein. Yet, the reader, even at this early stage may ponder if the lady doth protest too much.
William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing is a play involving by deception, disloyalty, trickery, eavesdropping, and hearsay. The play contains numerous examples of schemes that are used to manipulate the thoughts of other characters; it is the major theme that resonates throughout the play. Ironically, it is one of these themes that bring serenity to the chaos that encompasses most of the play.
Much Ado About Nothing In the book “Much Ado About Nothing” trickery and deceit are central themes that happen throughout the story. The characters find it amusing to trick others into falling in love with one another making them understand that they have always been in love but too stubborn to admit they are. In other cases there are characters that rather see heart breaks instead of happy endings, in some forms trickery was used to harm those who love each other. Trickery takes a huge importance in “Much Ado About Nothing” without it there would not be much of the romance that the characters share in the novel.
The modernization of nearly outdated and cliché settings typically used for Shakespearian plays such as Much Ado helps enforce Whedon's attempt to make the film and play familiar, as well as creates accessibility for the audience regardless of how well they may understand Shakespeare's language. Both the ensemble and individual cast members assist in achieving Whedon's vision by creating an atmosphere that seems familiar if only that it could be our own family and friends throwing that same banter back and forth between each other. Their playful and occasionally raw performances combine with a spectacular setting to help make Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing a stellar film that is a nearly perfect modern translation of a classic, centuries old
Rossiter, A.P. "Much Ado About Nothing." William Shakespeare Comedies & Romances. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986.
With its entangled plots and eloquent use of words, Much Ado About Nothing is a story that has the ability to entertain the masses, both young and old. Shakespeare’s use of figurative language along with situation creates such vivid imagery that carries the drama from beginning to end. For example, when we look at Act 1 Scene 1 of the play, we are quickly introduced to the sharp tongued Beatrice as she verbally annihilates her unseen co-star Benedick.... ... middle of paper ... ...
This may seem to be a harsh and pessimistic outlook on life, but the way Shakespeare brings this character to life portrays Benedick as a funny and caring man who really is not that certain about what he wants for the future. Benedick’s counterpart in the play is Beatrice, who is an independent woman with a quick tongue. Benedick and Beatrice despise and cannot stand each other because it is seemingly impossible for them to have a conversation without arguing and angering each other. The two of them provide some of the more amusing scenes of the play with their word play and mocking of each other. In reality though, they have much in common that they have yet to realize.
In William Shakespeare’s play ‘Much Ado about Nothing’, there are many instances of trickery and deception, which seem to surround the whole of the play.
"Much Ado About Nothing: Entire Play." Much Ado About Nothing: Entire Play. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Mar. 2014. .
Each of the main characters in Much Ado About Nothing is the victim of deception, and it is because they are deceived that they act in the ways that they do. Although the central deception is directed against Claudio in an attempt to destroy his relationship with Hero, it is the deceptions involving Beatrice and Benedick which provides the play's dramatic focus.
“And when I lived, I was your other wife, And when you loved, you were my other husband(Shakespeare 60).” In the beginning of the play it was overwhelming, steeped in love at first sight between Hero and Claudio, until Don John’s evil-manner took a role in ruining the love between them. And because of this a conflict developed between them, but was resolved when their vigorous love for one another overcame the conflict. In Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare, Hero serves as the foil character of Claudio because of Hero’s dignified, well-mannered, eminent reputation is illuminated through Claudio’s insecure, accusing, and doubtful weakness; thereby, interminably influencing the conflict in the plot.
Rossiter, A.P. "Much Ado About Nothing." William Shakespeare Comedies & Romances. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986.