Theme Of Deception In Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado about “Noting”
Much Ado About Nothing, a play by William Shakespeare, is about a (very large) group of friends visiting one another in the Italian countryside. A group of warriors, just returned from battle, greet their host greet their host, engage in pleasantries, fall in love, and prepare weddings. However, not all are enjoying this air of happiness, as a villain is soon introduced, seeking to destroy the relationships he sees forming. The play then proceeds to show his various attempts at breaking the other characters apart, turning them against each other in the process. In the final scenes, the villain’s identity is revealed, restoring peace and harmony among the characters. Throughout the play, however, there is a large amount of deception, not only from the villain, but among many of the characters. The title of the play comes, in part, from this deception. In Shakespeare’s day the word “nothing” was similar to “noting,” which meant eavesdropping. Almost all the deception in the play takes the form of “noting,” with three specific instances. One instance creates a relationship, one is an attempt to end another relationship, and, finally, one brings reconciliation.

Two of the most sarcastic members of the group are Beatrice and Benedick.

Each of these characters enjoys fighting in battles of wit between themselves, insulting each other in turn. That is why it is surprising when their friends decide to deceive them into falling for each other. The friends position themselves so that at different times Beatrice and Benedick will overhear their friends talking about how one has confessed love towards the other in confidence. As a result, Beatrice and Benedick are deceived into believing the other is in love, and in the process fall in love themselves. In this way, eavesdropping is used to bring about a positive

goal.
“Noting” was featured another way in the play through the villain, Don John. He wanted to break up a completely different relationship, and was quite devious in doing so. He arranges an elaborate deception involving mistaken identities to trick a soon-to-be husband into thinking his fiancé’ was unfaithful. Don John brings the husband-to-be where he can see through the fiancé’s bedroom window. Overhearing the voices inside, and seeing someone he thinks is his fiancé’, the future bridegroom is deceived into breaking off the marriage and slandering his former bride-to-be. In doing so, the same concept of noting was used toward unsavory ends.
Following the theme of the play, “noting” is ultimately used to resolve all the conflicts previously created. The interloper who seduced the fiancé’s impersonator begins bragging to a friend about the money he made regarding the scheme. Because of “noting,” in the form of a watchman who overhears, the whole plot is brought to light, clearing names, rearranging weddings, and all the couples are happily married. Hence, “noting” redeems itself and brings about a happy ending.
Throughout the play there is quite a bit of “noting.” However, in just a handful of scenes Shakespeare conveys much meaning. He effectively displays how noting can be used for both good and bad, but is neutral in and of itself. In the end, it is important to note that the act of “noting” should never be taken at face value.