A (Very) Brief Plot Summary
Act I Scene I: Soldiers are returning home from war. Benedick says he will never marry. Pedro agrees to help Claudio win Hero. Scene II: Leonato learns that Claudio loves Hero. Scene III: John learns of Pedro's plan.
Act II Scene I: Beatrice says she will never marry. John tells Claudio that Pedro wants Hero for himself. Leonato agrees to let Claudio marry Hero in one week. Leonatoand Pedro plan to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love. Scene II: John and Borachio plan to destroy Hero's reputation. Scene III : Benedick overhears that Beatrice is in love with him.
Act III Scene I: Beatrice overhears that Benedick is in love with her. Scene II: Benedick is in love. John tells Pedro and Claudio that Hero is unfaithful. Scene III: Dogberry instructs that watch. The watch overhears Borachio telling Conrade of his plan and arrests them both. Act IV, Scene I: Claudio accuses Hero of having an affair and refuses to go through with the wedding. Leonato agrees to pretend that Hero is dead until her innocence can be proven. Benedick and Beatrice declare their love for one another, and Benedick agrees to help prove that Hero is innocent. Scene II: The trial of Conrade and Borachio. Act V Scene I: Leonato mourns for Hero. Clausio is told that Hero is dead. Benedick challenges Claudio, and announces that John has fled. Dogberry tells Claudio and Pedro that Conrade and Borachio lied about Hero. Leonato tells Claudio that he must marry Hero'scousin the following day. Scene II: Beatrice and Benedick are told that Hero is innocent. Scene III: Hero's memorial. Scene III: Claudio learns that his bride is Hero. Benedick and Beatrice will marry. John has been arrested. Glossary
Antickly -in a buffoonish manner
Birdbolt -a dull arrow used in hunting birds
Cinque-pace -a slow, dignified dance
Eftest -most readily available
Fleer -sneer
Foining -thrusting
Misprision -error
Rabato -a type of ruff
Recheat -a set of notesplayed o a hunting horn to distract dogs from a false scent
Reechy -covered in grime Much Ado About Nothing If you can't see this play in the theatre, there is a suitable cinematic alternative to be found in the Kenneth Branaugh film version of Much Ado About Nothing . This star-studded flick stays true to the original while taking full advantage of all the Holywood perks, including outdoor sets and fancy film angles. Branaugh himself plays Benedick, Emma Thompson plays Beatrice, and Denzel Washington plays Don Pedro. Keanu Reeves does a surprisingly good job as Don John--but I have a little trouble seeing Denzel and Keanu as brothers, or even half-brothers. Michael KEaton does a fantastic job as Dogberry, malapropisms and all.
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