You know when you get home after a long day and watch some trash TV to get your mind off of some things?

Well, "Much Ado About Nothing" is like that trash TV but with a higher IQ.

This play by Shakespeare is filled with witty banter, comical misunderstandings, and a web of love and deception.

The characters are richly drawn and their interactions are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

While it may seem like light-hearted entertainment on the surface, there are deeper themes at play, such as the nature of love, the power of gossip, and the importance of forgiveness.

Just like trash TV, "Much Ado About Nothing" can be a great way to unwind and forget about your troubles for a while. But unlike trash TV, it also has the ability to leave you with something to think about long after the final curtain call.

So the next time you're looking for a bit of entertainment that's both fun and intelligent, give "Much Ado About Nothing" a try.

‎Much Ado About Nothing is a delightful comedy penned by the renowned William‬ ‎Shakespeare (1564-1616). It is believed to have been written around 1598 and 1599, during the middle of Shakespeare's career. The play was included in the First Folio published in 1623.

The story unfolds in Sicily. Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, having recently defeated his half-brother, the bastard Don John, in a military engagement, returns to the capital, Messina, as a guest of the Governor, Leonato. There, Count Claudio, a young nobleman serving in Don Pedro's army, falls in love with Hero, Leonato's daughter. Don Pedro woos Hero on Claudio's behalf. However, the play takes a turn when Don John maliciously deceives Claudio into believing that Hero has been unfaithful on the eve of their marriage. This leads to Claudio publicly rejecting Hero at the altar.

The play is filled with a colorful cast of characters, including Benedick, Beatrice, Dogberry, and many others. Through a series of misunderstandings, tricks, and witty dialogues, Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other. In the end, Benedick and Beatrice join forces to set things right, and the others celebrate the marriages of the two couples with a dance.

This play has been translated and published in various editions, such as the translation by Abdolhossein Noushin in 1950 and the translation by Freydoon Mahdavi Damghani in 1999. It has also been staged numerous times, captivating audiences with its humor, romance, and engaging plot.

\\n  2nd read, December 2019:\\n This time around, I had a much deeper understanding of the power and humor within the play. The sting of Claudio's accusation remains palpable, yet Shakespeare always infuses his comedies with incisive commentary. He aims to make us laugh while also imparting a valuable lesson. The romance between Beatrice and Benedick continues to sparkle brightly, and for this reason, I have raised my rating to 4 stars. \\"I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap, and be buried in thy eyes.\\"

"Much Ado About Nothing" is a wonderful comedy!

The action in the play develops in Messina, with the exciting story of Beatrice and Benedict taking the central place, which is filled with funny situations...

"DON PEDRO
Sing that song, Balthasar!

BALTHASAR
Oh, your lordship, she is not guilty
for my voice to torture her a second time.

DON PEDRO
Not to admit your ability
is often a sure sign of perfection,
but still your modesty compels us
to court you!

BALTHASAR
Before this thought
I have already stepped back, for in life
courting often has nothing in common
with liking.

DON PEDRO
We are already waiting for you.
If you wish to say something,
then say it in keys, in B-flat!

BALTHASAR
And then your lordship will ask me to stop again!

DON PEDRO
A hundred word games
and in the end - nothing. Come, sing!"

Translation: Valeri Petrov

This play is full of witty banter and charming characters. The interaction between Don Pedro, Balthasar, and the others adds to the lighthearted and entertaining atmosphere. The story of Beatrice and Benedict, with their love-hate relationship, is both comical and endearing. It keeps the audience engaged and laughing throughout. "Much Ado About Nothing" is truly a classic comedy that has stood the test of time.

Second Reading: 03.04.2024

I have come to appreciate the value of this comedy even more when I became aware of William Shakespeare's early plays.

First Reading: 09.04.2022

Without the exchanges between Beatrice and Benedict, it would not be a play worth watching. For me, the author's comedies pale in comparison to his other plays. Just like many of Shakespeare's plays, since it doesn't have an original story, I can say it is a text that doesn't need to be exaggerated.

In my second reading on 03.04.2024, I found myself delving deeper into the world of Shakespeare's early works. Realizing the context in which this comedy was written made me see its charm and significance more clearly. The wit and banter between the characters, especially Beatrice and Benedict, added a layer of entertainment that was truly engaging. On the other hand, my initial impression from the first reading on 09.04.2022 still lingered to some extent. I felt that while the play had its moments, it didn't quite shine as brightly as some of Shakespeare's other masterpieces. The lack of an original story was a factor that made me view it as a text that didn't have to be overly hyped. However, upon further reflection, I came to understand that each of Shakespeare's plays has its own unique qualities and should be evaluated in its own right.

This is yet another interesting Shakespearean comedy. The play features a saucy and sharp-tongued woman in the character of Beatrice. I'm quite new to Shakespeare's works and didn't expect to encounter such a spirited female character in a Shakespearean play. So, Beatrice was a pleasant surprise to me.

The story's main focus is on love. There are two love stories here: one between Claudio and Hero, and the other between Beatrice and Benedict. The former is an acknowledged and formal courtship, while the latter is an informal and unorthodox one. I enjoyed the teasing courtship of Beatrice and Benedict more. The witty banter between the two added colour, vibrancy, and an overall boost to the play. Unfaithfulness, deception, and villainy also play roles here. All combined, make Much Ado About Nothing more like a tragi-comedy if not for the happily-ever-after ending.

True to the title, the story was mostly a "fuss" over Claudio and Hero's love, which was interfered with by the treacherous act of a villainous hand. The discovery of the truth and the happy union between the two thereafter make the whole drama "much ado about nothing". There was no complex plot but a simple, light one. However, the characters and the witty and elegant prose of Shakespeare contributed significantly to the enjoyment.

More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/

The comedy of misunderstandings and direct remarks has not been bad, as they say. It could have ended in tragedy but in the end, it had a "happy" ending.
Rating: 6/10
Synopsis: Composed in 1598, it was already one of the most celebrated comedies of William Shakespeare (1574 - 1616). Set mostly in a pleasant framework of gardens, chambers, and courtly feasts, the work mainly revolves around two strong characters in opposition, Benedick of Padua and Beatrice, irreconcilable adversaries and both as witty, sharp-tongued, and sarcastic as they are disdainful of love. Amid a plot enlivened by misunderstandings, betrayals, and unforeseen events, the sworn enemies nevertheless end up, to their own surprise, in that place where they promised never to end up and, what's more, in the company most unexpected for them.
#32. A book in which the characters go from being enemies to a couple. Popsugar Reading Challenge 2024.

This Shakespearean comedy is a delightful exploration of love and hate. The vividly drawn characters of Benedick and Beatrice bring the story to life. Their constant sparring and sharp exchanges are both entertaining and engaging. The misunderstandings that drive the plot add an element of excitement and unpredictability. As the story unfolds, we see the characters gradually change and grow, eventually finding love in each other. It's a classic tale that has stood the test of time and continues to charm audiences today. Whether you're a fan of Shakespeare or just looking for a good read, this comedy is definitely worth checking out.

The rewards, the intrigues, and the deceptions, clear words in Shakespeare's plays.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a comedic play, and the dialogue in it is charming and witty.

There is an intrigue to prevent the marriage of two lovers, which ends with the discovery of the truth and the exposure of the plotters.

Benedick and Beatrice are among the most attractive characters in the play.

There is a humorous quarrel and delicate exchanges between them, which eventually turn into interest and love. Shakespeare's plays are full of such rich and vivid elements, captivating audiences with their unique charm and depth. The stories unfold on the stage, bringing to life the complex emotions and conflicts of the characters, making them an enduring part of the world's literary and theatrical heritage.

I studied this in high school decades ago. It was a time when I was eager to explore the world of literature and drama. Since then, I have watched many theatrical versions of this work. Each performance has brought a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the story and the characters.

Among all of his comedies, this one is my absolute favourite. The humour is sharp and witty, the characters are vivid and engaging, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat. It never fails to make me laugh out loud and leave me with a sense of joy and satisfaction.

I think what makes this comedy so special is its ability to touch on universal themes such as love, friendship, and family, while also being highly entertaining. It has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant and enjoyable today. I will always cherish my memories of studying and watching this wonderful work.

It's Shakespeare. What else can I say? It's truly excellent!

I re-read it on 9/24/2024. For the first time, I listened to the Audible version of "The Complete Works" by Argo Classics, which is performed by the Marlowe Professional Players. All the songs and music are delightful. This is the only way to appreciate Shakespeare other than seeing the play performed in real time.

The works of Shakespeare are a treasure trove of literary genius. His plays are filled with complex characters, profound themes, and beautiful language. Whether it's the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the comedy of A Midsummer Night's Dream, or the historical drama of Henry V, each play offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

The Audible version brings these plays to life in a whole new way. The talented actors of the Marlowe Professional Players bring the characters to life with their vivid interpretations. The addition of songs and music enhances the atmosphere and adds another layer of depth to the listening experience.

Listening to Shakespeare's plays is a great way to relax and unwind. It allows you to immerse yourself in the world of Shakespeare and appreciate his works on a deeper level. Whether you're a long-time fan of Shakespeare or just discovering his works for the first time, the Audible version of "The Complete Works" is a must-have.

Shakespeare is great, but I must admit that I didn't like this one. It's very bad for no reason, just as the title says. Especially if you have read his other masterpieces such as Hamlet, Richard, The Merchant of Venice, etc., this one seems very mediocre.

Maybe it's because my expectations were too high, or maybe this play just didn't resonate with me. However, I still respect Shakespeare's talent and his contributions to the world of literature.

Despite my disappointment with this particular work, I will continue to explore his other plays and try to understand his genius from different perspectives. After all, Shakespeare is one of the most important and influential playwrights in history, and his works deserve to be studied and appreciated.

In the 1906 preface to The Portrait of a Lady, Henry James described the book as ‘an ado about Isabel Archer’. This reference piqued my curiosity. Since I had never read Shakespeare’s 'Much Ado' and loved following even the vaguest book trails, I seized the opportunity to browse my bookstore’s Shakespeare shelves. Like many, I had read some of the plays for study but never bought one for pleasure. I naively thought it would be a simple task. However, I was met with multiple editions, which was both impressive and a dilemma. The more I looked, the more I wanted to read other plays like 'Measure for Measure', 'The Taming of the Shrew', and more. I considered a 'Complete Works' but the volume was so heavy I had to find a chair just to hold it. The pages were flimsy and the font tiny. Poor print quality was an issue with single editions too. Some had introductions that took up too much space, and others had so many footnotes there was hardly room for Shakespeare’s words. I was getting frustrated until I realized I was making too much of a fuss. I grabbed the least objectionable edition of 'Much Ado about Nothing' and headed to the cash desk.

The plot of 'Much Ado' centers around a deception that causes temporary misunderstandings and frustrations among the main characters. Thankfully, the misunderstandings are quickly resolved and order is restored. In this sense, the play is truly much ado about nothing. But the ‘ado’ gives us one of Shakespeare’s most interesting female characters: Beatrice. She has the wittiest lines and the cleverest insights, especially about marriage and its meaning for women. She also has the clearest understanding of what is happening in the play and can be seen as the bravest character, willing to defend her cousin Hero’s honor when others, even her father, believe the lies spread by the villainous Don John. Beatrice’s bravery is particularly remarkable considering the male characters are soldiers used to combat but are made to seem foolish or weak at times. Only Beatrice commands our full respect. I’m tempted to imitate Henry James and call the play an ‘ado about Beatrice’. For me, it’s all about her, as if Shakespeare used the plot as a framework for her speeches. I couldn't get enough of them.

As I read and admired Beatrice’s words and actions, a thought occurred to me. Maybe there was more to HJ’s reference to an ‘ado’ than I initially thought. I began to see parallels between Beatrice and Isabel Archer. Both heroines live in their uncle’s houses and are unmarried though no longer teenagers. These may seem like trivial parallels, but there are more. When we first meet them, their unconventional manners set them apart. They both have a reputation for being originals. Beatrice excels in a battle of wits, and Isabel enjoys sparring with those who will engage her. We soon discover they both have a strong sense of self and a radical dislike of anyone controlling their destiny. But they are not radical for the sake of it. Isabel is not a reformer like her friend Henrietta Stackpoole, and Beatrice is not as intractable as Kate from 'The Taming of the Shrew'. Instead, they prioritize their own intellectual development and disdain the pursuit of romantic love. Isabel refuses a marriage proposal from Lord Warburtin, the richest man in her circle, and Beatrice refuses Don Pedro, the most powerful man in Messina. When Beatrice says, 'I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me', we can't help but think of Isabel who runs away whenever there is talk of love. There are so many parallels.

When I started reading this play, I had no idea I'd find such comparisons. Unfortunately, the final comparison sets the two heroines completely apart: their destiny, one happy and the other tragic. When Benedick says, “Beatrice is wise but for loving me,” we sadly remember that Isabel too was wise - but for choosing Gilbert Osmond.

Afterword.
The Oxford World's Classics edition I reluctantly bought turned out to be perfect. It had a lovely cover, quality paper, a clear font, and well-spaced lines. However, it had copious notes and a very long introduction. I mostly ignored the notes but read the introduction with pleasure after finishing the play. It included a history of the play's production, and engravings and photos of the various actresses who played Beatrice over the centuries. And I returned to the bookshop and, without hesitation, bought Oxford editions of 'Measure for Measure', 'The Taming of the Shrew', and 'Romeo and Juliet', all of which I've since read. I can truly say that I'm finally reading Shakespeare for pleasure. Thank you, Henry.