The Yale Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing

Author : William Shakespeare
Publisher : Independently Published
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 204 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (761 download)

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Download or read book Much Ado About Nothing Illustrated written by William Shakespeare and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2020-09-04 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599.The play was included in the First Folio, published in 1623.SynopsisIn Messina, a messenger brings news that Don Pedro will return that night, from a successful battle, along with Claudio and Benedick. Beatrice asks the messenger about Benedick, and mocks his ineptitude as a soldier. Leonato explains that "There is a kind of merry war betwixt Signor Benedick and her." On the soldiers' arrival, Leonato invites Don Pedro to stay for a month; Benedick and Beatrice resume their "merry war"; and Pedro's illegitimate brother, Don John, is introduced. Claudio's feelings for Hero are rekindled, and he informs Benedick of his intention to court her. Benedick, who openly despises marriage, tries to dissuade him; but Don Pedro encourages the marriage. Benedick swears that he will never marry. Don Pedro laughs at him, and tells him that he will when he has found the right person.A masquerade ball is planned, during which a disguised Don Pedro woos Hero, on Claudio's behalf. Don John uses this situation to get revenge on him, telling Claudio that Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself. Claudio rails against the entrapments of beauty; but the misunderstanding is later resolved, and Claudio is promised Hero's hand in marriage.Meanwhile, Benedick and Beatrice have danced together, trading disparaging remarks under cover of their masks. Benedick is stung at hearing himself described as "the prince's jester, a very dull fool"; and yearns to be spared the company of "Lady Tongue" Don Pedro and his men, bored at the prospect of waiting a week for the wedding, concoct a plan to match-make between Benedick and Beatrice. They arrange for Benedick to overhear a conversation, in which they declare that Beatrice is madly in love with him, but too afraid to tell him. Hero and Ursula likewise ensure that Beatrice overhears a conversation in which they discuss Benedick's undying love for her. Both Benedick and Beatrice are delighted to think that they are the object of unrequited love; and both resolve to mend their faults, and declare their love.Meanwhile, Don John plots to stop the wedding, embarrass his brother, and wreak misery on Leonato and Claudio. He tells Don Pedro and Claudio that Hero is "disloyal"; and arranges for them to see his associate, Borachio, enter her bedchamber, and engage amorously with her (it is actually Hero's chambermaid). Claudio and Don Pedro are duped; and the former vows to publicly humiliate Hero.At the wedding (the next day), Claudio denounces Hero, before the stunned guests; and storms off with Don Pedro, causing Hero to faint. A humiliated Leonato expresses his wish for her to die. The presiding friar intervenes, believing Hero innocent. He suggests the family fake Hero's death, to inspire Claudio with remorse. Prompted by the day's stressful events, Benedick and Beatrice confess their love for each other. Beatrice then asks Benedick to kill Claudio, as proof of his devotion. Benedick hesitates, but is swayed. Leonato and Antonio blame Claudio for Hero's supposed death; and threaten him, to little effect. Benedick arrives, and challenges him to a duel.