Much Ado About Nothing Response- Laura Glucksman
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare is about love. It has wonderful surprises that any audience would appreciate. The play addresses many human emotions including, but not limited to, happiness, sadness, grief and love.
The audience falls in love with the characters especially Hero, who is the daughter of Leonato. Everyone from the start of the play wants the best for her. She is a kind-hearted person and is well respected by her friends and family. The audience can tell she is extremely sweet. Kate Beckinsale’s portrayal of this character is extremely believable. Another character who is admired throughout the play is Hero’s cousin Beatrice. She first acts like she does not want to marry anyone, which obviously does not turn out to be the case. She falls truly in love with Benadick, a man she is tricked into being interested in. Benedick is an extremely likable character in Much Ado About Nothing. He just wants to fall in love. These two characters are very innocent, and this makes the audience hope for a happy ending.
The villainous part of the play adds suspense. Don John is a foil for his brother Don Pedro. Don John wants to ruin Hero’s life by setting up a demonic plan to make her seem impure, and embarrass her and her family at the alter in front of the wedding guests. Don Pedro seems like a likeable man. He is always joyous and wanting the best for his friends and soldiers. The plot would not have been as substantial without the contrast of these two brothers. We did not learn very much about Don John throughout the play. He is just shown as the evil brother. Shakespeare chose not to develop his character, perhaps because those details are not important to the plot or meaning of the play.
The scenery of the play is absolutely stunning. The house and town are gorgeous, especially the flowers and plants. It shows the elegance that Leonato wants for his town.
The music and dancing are wonderful. They are very talented, and the music represents the time period extremely well. The musicians are a highlight of the show for me.
The play has some comedic features to it as well. A good example of the comedy is when Benedick goes in the fountain to express his love for Beatrice. He does not act like a solider. Another example is when the “spies” gallop like a horse. They appear to be always on the lookout.
The play shows love is a powerful thing. It also shows that truth will always prevail. Overall, I loved William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing because it was full of comedic relief and love. It also had a happy ending which, I believe, most of the audience was hoping for.