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Much Ado About Nothing Act One

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Introduction

Before we start looking at the play itself, it will be useful to explore some of the background to the play and its playwright.

In this unit we will look at Much Ado About Nothing, a play by William Shakespeare. We will consider its storyline, characters and themes.

What do you already know about William Shakespeare?

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Author information

Name: William Shakespeare

1564–1616

Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. His father, John, was a fairly wealthy man, and so Shakespeare probably went to the local grammar school.

Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582, and they had three children together.

Biographical information:

Dates:

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Shakespeare’s theatre

Shakespeare moved to London to work as a writer and an actor. As well as writing plays and poems during his life, Shakespeare also invested money in the London theatres. The Globe was built in 1599.

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Background to the text

Much Ado About Nothing was probably written in the winter of 1598–1599 and first performed in 1599, when Shakespeare was approaching the middle of his career.

Much Ado About Nothing is considered by many to be one of Shakespeare’s best comedies.

The play contains many comic episodes, but what makes it a Shakespearean comedy is its happy ending.

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Shakespeare’s theatre

While you are studying Much Ado About Nothing try to imagine it actually being performed in a theatre. If you get the chance, go and see a performance of the play, or watch a film version.

In Shakespeare’s day both rich and poor people enjoyed going to the theatre.

Theatres such as The Globe held up to 2,500 people. The wealthy sat in the galleries while the rest stood in the yard.

The original Globe theatre was pulled down in 1664. This photo shows the reconstructed Globe which opened in 1997.

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Act One, Scene One summary

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Beatrice and Benedick

In Act One, Scene One, we meet two main characters, Beatrice and Benedick, who have been reunited. Here is how they greet one another:

I wonder that you will still be talking, Signor Benedick; nobody marks you. What, my dear Lady

Disdain! Are you yet living?

still – alwaysyet – still

1. What type of relationship do you think these two characters have? How can you tell?

2. Why does Benedick call Beatrice ‘Lady Disdain’?

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… but it is certain I am loved of all ladies, only you excepted; and I would I could find in my heart that I had not a hard heart, for, truly I love none.

A dear happiness to women; they would else have been troubled by a pernicious suitor! I thank God and my cold blood, I am of your humour for that; I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow that a man swear he loves me.

1. How do Beatrice and Benedick view love?

2. Do you think they truly dislike one another?

of – byhumour – opinion

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Beatrice

Use a table like the one below to make notes on Beatrice.

Personality Evidence

________________ _________________

________________ ________________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

Light hearted Makes fun of Benedick

What is her personality?

How does the text support your view?

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Benedick

Use a table like the one below to make notes on Benedick.

Personality Evidence

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

Compare this table with the one you completed for Beatrice. How are they similar?

What is his personality?

How does the text support your view?

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Characters’ relationships

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The men

Claudio, Don Pedro and Benedick discuss the beautiful Hero and Claudio’s love for her.

That I love her, I feel.

In what ways are these men different?

That she is worthy, I know.

That I neither feel how she should be loved nor know how she should be worthy is the opinion that fire cannot melt out of me.

sentimental

respectful

cynical and flippant

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Look who’s talking…

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Act One, Scene Two summary

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Act One, Scene Two

Act One, Scene Two is a short scene which shows an exchange between Leonato and Antonio. This is the first time that something has been overheard and misunderstood.

What falsehood does Antonio report?

What tension does this create for the audience?

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Act One, Scene Three summary

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Don John

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In the Kenneth Branagh film production of Much Ado About Nothing, Keanu Reeves plays this role. Why do you think he was chosen for the part?

Why is Don John so sullen?

Does Don John have any redeeming features?

If you were casting the film role for Don John, which actor would you choose and why?

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True or false