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William Shakespeare
Genre: Comedy
It was probably written in 1598 in England
Date of first Publication: 1600
THE SHAKESPEAREAN COMEDY
INFLUENCES
Shakespeare was likely influenced by several
works in his writing of Much Ado About
Nothing. The “merry war” between Beatrice
and Benedick resembles no specific source, but
could have been inspired by Chaucer’s Troilus
and Criseyde, while the Claudio and Hero plot
could have been based upon Canto V of Orlando
Furioso or possibly Matteo Bandello’s Novella
(1554).
The ideal of the perfect courtier is likely from
Baldassare Castiglione’s 1528 work The Book
of the Courtier. Beatrice’s playful criticism of
men echoes the more violent misandry of
Shakespeare’s earlier work, The Taming of the
Shrew, while Don John’s spurious treachery
and Hero’s victimization suggest his later
work, the great tragedy Othello.
SUMMARY OF THE PLAY
PLACE
Messina, Sicily, at the home and grounds of
Leonato and some places of the city.
THEMES
A theme common to Much Ado About
Nothing is Cuckoldry, (wife infidelity).
The author uses language as a motif to
reveal his intention with the play.
The ideal of social grace; deception as a
means to an end; loss of honor; public
shaming
Noting; entertainment; counterfeiting
The taming of wild animals; war; Hero’s
death
Language can also reveal social status.
Claudio and Don Pedro use language to show
respect to others. Dogberry, on the other
hand, confuses his words thereby showing
his lack of social stature.
www.associatedcontent.com/article/13284/use_of_language
_in_shakespeares_much.html
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