Much ado about nothing is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare written in 1598-99. It is set in Messina, Sicily and involves the romantic relationships between Claudio and Hero, and Benedick and Beatrice. The plot involves Claudio falling in love with Hero and planning to marry, while their friends try to stop the arguing between Benedick and Beatrice by tricking them into realizing they love each other. However, Don John slanders Hero which causes problems before the truth is revealed and order is restored through marriages.

1. Much ado about nothing Much ado about nothing He is in love. With who? Now that is your grace's part. With Hero, Leonato's short daughter. (Benedick)

2. Performance and publication Influences Setting Main characters Plot Themes, Motifs and Symbolism Filmography Performance and publication Influences Setting Main characters Plot Themes , Motifs and Symbolism Filmography Links

3. William Shakespeare 1598-99 written 1600 quarto edition Several poetical and dramatic adaptations 1612-13 first performances in court Very popular Performance and publication William Shakespeare 1598-99 written 1600 quarto edition Several poetical and dramatic adaptations 1612-13 first performances in court Very popular

4. Romantic comedies Bandello’s “Novelle” Ariosto’s “Orlando Furioso” Chaucer’s “ Troilus and Criseyde ” Castiglione’s “Il Cortegiano” Renaissance courtiers Influences Romantic comedies Bandello’s “Novelle” Ariosto’s “Orlando Furioso” Chaucer’s “ Troilus and Criseyde ” Castiglione’s “Il Cortegiano” Renaissance courtiers

5. Sicily Messina Home and grounds of Leonato Ruled by Spain Italian heritage Setting Sicily Messina Home and grounds of Leonato Ruled by Spain Italian heritage

6. Plot Friends at Leonato’s home Claudio falls in love with Hero and after decide to be married Benedick and Beatrice resume the war Their friends decide to play a game : stop arguing between Benedick and Beatrice Their tricks prove successful Borachio makes love to Margaret Friends at Leonato’s home Claudio falls in love with Hero and after decide to be married Benedick and Beatrice resume the war Their friends decide to play a game : stop arguing between Benedick and Beatrice Their tricks prove successful Borachio makes love to Margaret

7. Claudio leaves Hero at the altar and she “died” Benedick and Beatrice confess their love The night watchman listen in his crime and Don John is arrested Everyone learns the innocent of Hero Claudio marries “Hero’s cousin” Double wedding Plot Claudio leaves Hero at the altar and she “died” Benedick and Beatrice confess their love The night watchman listen in his crime and Don John is arrested Everyone learns the innocent of Hero Claudio marries “Hero’s cousin” Double wedding

8. Leonato’s niece Hero’s cousin Pleasant-spirited lady Generous and loving Content never to marry Beatrice Leonato’s niece Hero’s cousin Pleasant-spirited lady Generous and loving Content never to marry

9. Aristocratic soldier Friend of Don Pedro and Claudio Witty He never falls in love Benedick Aristocratic soldier Friend of Don Pedro and Claudio Witty He never falls in love

10. Young soldier Friend of Don Pedro and Benedick Falls in love with Hero Believe evil rumors Take revenge Claudio Young soldier Friend of Don Pedro and Benedick Falls in love with Hero Believe evil rumors Take revenge

11. Daughter of Leonato Cousin of Beatrice Lovely, gentle Falls in love with Claudio John slanders her Hero Daughter of Leonato Cousin of Beatrice Lovely, gentle Falls in love with Claudio John slanders her

12. Magical elements, potions and premonitory dreams Infidelity of a wife Honor Themes Magical elements, potions and premonitory dreams Infidelity of a wife Honor

13. Homophones ( nothing and noting ) Great confusion ( much ado ) Insignificant (nothing) Masquerade Motifs Homophones ( nothing and noting ) Great confusion ( much ado ) Insignificant (nothing) Masquerade

14. Wild animals “ Merry war” between Beatrice and Benedick Hero’s false death Symbolism Wild animals “ Merry war” between Beatrice and Benedick Hero’s false death

15. Filmography “ Much ado about nothing” USA 1994 Director: Kenneth Branagh Cast: Kenneth Branagh Emma Thompson Denzel Washington Robert Sean Leonard Keanu Reeves Michael Keaton

16. Ciancilla Eleonora Giuliani Monica Links http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/muchado/summary.html http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/muchado/themes.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Much_Ado_About_Nothing http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molto_rumore_per_nulla