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Much Ado About Nothing: themes
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The title is a pun. In Shakespeare's time "nothing" sounded like "noting", meaning overhearing or watching. The whole plot turns on noting.
Deception and noting
Some deceptions are kind (the tricks that bring Beatrice and Benedick together). Others are cruel (Don John's plot against Hero).
Characters constantly overhear and misread what they see and hear.
Characters constantly overhear and misread what they see and hear.
Love and marriage
Claudio's love is based on looks and status; Beatrice and Benedick's grows from equal wit and loyalty.
By the end both couples marry, as comedies usually end.
By the end both couples marry, as comedies usually end.
Honour and reputation
A woman's reputation depended on her chastity. One false accusation is enough to 'kill' Hero socially.
Claudio later reads an epitaph saying she was "Done to death by slanderous tongues".
Claudio later reads an epitaph saying she was "Done to death by slanderous tongues".
Explain the pun in the title.
- "Nothing" and "noting" sounded similar.
- Noting means watching or overhearing.
- The plot turns on characters noting things, often wrongly.
Answer: The 'nothing' is also 'noting': overhearing and misreading drive the plot.
Themes: deception (kind and cruel), noting and misunderstanding, love and marriage, and honour and reputation, especially women's.
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