Mla style research paper much ado about nothing

1. Surname 1
Name:
University:
Course:
Tutor:
Date:
Much Ado about Nothing
Outline
Textual Background.....................................................................................................................................2
Sources........................................................................................................................................................4
Plot..............................................................................................................................................................6
Word Study/Word Analysis.........................................................................................................................9
Works Cited...............................................................................................................................................12

2. Surname 2
Textual Background
The modern text of the play Much Ado about Nothing disses Retrieved from the book
The Arden Shakespeare; Much Ado about Nothing, which was edited by Claire McEachern.
The book was first published in 2006 by the Arden Shakespeare, and edited in the same year by
Claire McEachern. The play itself is found in page 145 of this book. Currently, the book is over
100 years old, its earliest volume, was published in 1899 in the “first series, Edward Dowden’s
Hamlet” (McEachern, 2). After that, Arden Shakespeare ended up becoming internationally
recognized and much respected. Currently, the book is widely acknowledged as being the pre-
eminent Shakespeare series, which are highly valued by most students, current scholars, many
actors and actress, as well as those considered as being great readers. All these ids based on the
fact that, the book is readable and much reliable text. It is also considered so because of its full
annotation along withy its richly informative kind of introduction.
The quality and general character of the book’s predecessors has been maintained to
such and with the aim of preserving the commitment in the play presentation as its shaping has
been in its history. Though every individual volume is having its own emphasis, in terms of
unique possibilities along with problems that are posed by the play, just like Arden books
produced earlier on, this edition continue insisting on the highest scholarship standards along
with attractive and presentation that is accessible (Deborah, & Michael, 67).
The texts in this book are presented in a form that is fully modernized as compared to
original quarto folio editions. “It has textual apparatus that records all substantial divergences
from those early printings” (McEachern, 2). The notes as well as the introductions, mostly
concentrates on situations and probabilities of meaning, that both editors, critics, as well as
actors either on stage or screens have ended up discovering in the play. In the process of

3. Surname 3
coming up with a very rich history of both scholarly and theoretical practices that have ended
shaping our comprehension of the texts that were played by Shakespeare, this third edition of
Arden Shakespeare, has made it necessary and far much possible by new by the current
generation’s encounter Shakespeare. This kind of engagement is through plays as well as their
complex relations with culture in which they were produced and still being produced.
In this source, in every page of the play, readers are provided with a passage of text,
which is then followed by a commentary, then lastly a textual note. The acts as well as scene
division have all been maintained in case of any reference. However, they have been given less
prominence as compared to the earlier produced series. On the other hand, Editorial indications
of places have been eliminated to pave way for textual notes or the so called commentaries.
Typographic conventions that were not familiar in the text itself were eliminated with
the aim of minimizing hindrances to these reading the book. The forms that were elided in the
former texts are spelt out in verse lines at any time they are showing a usual current modern
pronunciation that needs no special indicators, and at any time, they occur in prose. Marks of
elision are retained in verse speeches, where they occur to be significant guides to the scansion
as well as the pronunciation of the line. Final-ed in the past tense as well as participle kinds of
verbs, has been n=mostly printed as –ed with no ascent, not as –d. however, at anytime that the
pronunciation does not move in line with the modern use, attention to the fact, in the
commentaries is drawn by a note. On the other hand, in this book, in places that the fine ed is
provided with a certain syllabic value that appears to be contrary to the modern use, for
instance, “Doth Silvia know that I am banished (TGV 3.1.219)” (McEachern, 6) . The book
provides the note in the following way”219 Banished banished” (McEachern, 6)

4. Surname 4
On the other hand, the lineation of separated verse lines that are shared between two or
even more speakers conventions, the book recognizes them and even a time rearranges them.
The exception is only for the familiar exit along with Exeunt, forms in stage directions that are
in Latin, as well as speech prefixes, have been translated into English in this book, while
maintaining Latin kinds in textual notes.
The notes outlined in commentary, are mainly sourced from Oxford English Dictionary.
They also include English discussions of theoretical interpretation, as well as relevant cases.
The editor did not offer the definition of these words that were defined in the previous editions,
however, in any case of doubting, they have included the notes. The book readers are enabled
to realizes where the edited text is not I line with earlier editions, is through the design of
textual notes. At any time this happens, notes record the rejected reading of former editions.
In the text, both commentaries and the introduction are designed in a manner that it
presents the play as a text for acting and make necessary stage references to stages, films, along
with TV versions. They also introduce 0readers to the range of critical approaches to the play.
The history of reception of the text in theaters as well as within scholars and beyond is also
discussed (Gerlach, et al, 145).
Sources
The normal definition of a source from Shakespeare, is just the work to which the plot
of the play is in somebody's debt. In the play Much Ado about Nothing, shows the coming
together of two couples. However amongst the two couples, only one ends up pairing, though
Hero and Claudio, are in possession of what in most cases taken as unadventurously a literary
source, in a sense of storyline that already exists elsewhere at the time when the play was being
composed. The traditional thought about this play is such that, the play is much debt to some

5. Surname 5
source materials, which have been identified as Beatrice and Benedict materials as one source.
The other source has been identifies as b being the Watch. The two have been identified as
being the major origins of Shakespeare inventions]. The two have been grafted as being the
comic relief to the oft-told backbone storyline of the slandered woman together with her
deceived betrothed.
“This vision of the play’s relation to its sources locates the divergent natures of the two
different love plots in their respective origin: Hero and Claudio’s pairing, based on the pre-
existing narratives, represents ‘conventional’ romance” (McEachern, 22), on the other hand,
Beatrice and Benedict unprecedented plot, ends up representing something that can be
described as being not usual when considering both the style as well as substance, which can
end up being described as the whiz kid of Shakespeare, considering his comments on the
convention itself. This kind of discriminations appears along with a reminder that, the plot of
Hero-Claudio is the major plot, and the rest, regardless of its propensity of upstaging it, can just
be described as the mere subplot. On the other side of the page, it can be noticed that, other
than the apparent autonomy of both Beatrice as well as Benedict’s plot, that was derived from
the story of the slandered woman, the two plots in fact turns on most of the staged scenes as
well as on fabricated accounts of love “(of Don Pedro for Hero, Hero for Borachio, or
Benedict for Beatrice and she for him)” (Anthony, 35). Considering this situation, Benedict and
Beatrice also derives from materials that can be described as being calumny. Nonetheless, this
remains plot derived account indebtedness literary, now Shakespeare doubles the offering of
his source, “much as The Comedy of Errors Multiplies Plautus’ on set of twins” (Butler, 90), in
the process of multiplying the possibilities of comic.

6. Surname 6
The notion that is plot centered of a certain source assists us in the process of getting far
with this play of Much Ado about Nothing. The tale that used to exist of the unjustly slandered
woman was in real since a very popular one during the times of Renaissance literature, as
indicated by Bullough (Smith, 100). The plot ended up appearing in lots and lots of genres
starting from disaster, romance, and circus to the homily genre. The plot at the same time also
served as a very powerful engine for several intercessions; on prove, on matters of love,
concerning the powers of the senses, looking at the rashness of the passions, along with the
madcap complications of marital intrigue. Another real concern in that same 16th century
courts, was the sexual slender, as depicted by Sharpe; Kaplan, culture. The most ancient story
of the analogue was the 15th century Greek Romance of Chariton, not forgetting Chaereas &
Kallirrhoe, Even though the more recent renditions that lay behind what Shakespeare wrote.
Amongst these, there were around more than seventeen versions, inform of both narrative as
well as dramatic, in existence, at the time when Shakespeare was composing the play of Much
Ado about Nothing. By considering the “fifth Canto of Ludovico Arioto’s ‘Orlando Furioso’”
(Calandra, 46), was maybe the most well-known condition. In itself, it was rooted probably on
the 15th century Spanish Tirant lo Blanco, which was authored by Martorell Juan.
Plot
The play by the name Much about Nothing is just a comedy written by William
Shakespeare about the two love pairs, namely; Benedict and Beatrice, along with Claudio and
Hero. Both Beatrice and Benedict are always engaged in a merry war, the two talks a mile a
minute and make a proclamation of their love scone, while in contrast, Claudio and Hero are
youngsters rendered speechless due to their love for each other.

7. Surname 7
The play starts at a place by the name Messina, as a messenger delivers news that a
Spanish prince by the name Don Pedro from a place named Aragon, together with his officers
named, Claudio and Benedict, have all returned from successfully from a battle. The governor
of Messina by the name Leonato ends up welcoming the messenger and made an
announcement that both Don Pedro and his people will have to stay for about a month.
Leonato’s niece by the name Beatrice then asks the messenger about Benedict, while making
sarcastic remarks concerning his incompetence as an army. Leonato expounded that “There is a
kind of merry war betwixt Seignior Benedict and her” (Cook, 200).
The long time adversaries Beatrice and Benedict continued with their argument, as
Claudio’s feeling for Hero who happened to be Leonato’s only daughter , rekindle after seeing
her, as a result, Claudio announces his intention to Benedict of dating her. Benedict tried to
dissuade him with no success in the face of Don’s encouragements. Benedicts claims that, he
intents not to get married, while Don just laughs at him, tries to tell him that he will do so when
he gets the right partner. In the celebration of allowing Pedro Woo Hero on behalf of Claudio, a
masquerade ball is planned. However, John, takes advantage of the situation to revenge against
his own brother Pedro by telling Claudio that, Pedro was woo Hero just for himself. As a result,
Claudio gets furious to the point of confronting Pedro. However, the misunderstanding didn’t
last long, after which Claudio wins Hero by asking a hand in marriage (Stephanie, 123).
Both Pedro and his men, fed up with view of waiting marriage week, they ends up
harboring a plan to match make between Benedict and Beatrice. Pedro being their leader,
proclaimed Beatrice’s love for Benedict, in real sense knowing that it was just eavesdrop on
their conversation. On the other hand, women Hero being their leader did similar thing to
Beatrice. They were struck by the fact that, the two were very proud in loving each other,

8. Surname 8
however, neither of them was willing to put up with reputation of bride. Everyone decided to
requite the love of one another.
At that time, John, who can be described as being Bustard, was just a grouch, as he was
always planning to ensure that he have ruined the wedding between Claudio and Hero, he
continued casting aspersions upon the traits of Hero. His follower Borachio ends up courting
Margaret, Hero’s chambermaid calling her ‘Hero’ at Hero’s open bedroom window while
Pedro and Claudio are lead by John to spy bellow. The latter mistaking Margaret for Hero ends
up being convinced of the infidelity of Hero.
The following, which was the wedding day, Claudio ends up refusing to marry Hero,
together with Pedro, Claudio ends up humiliating Hero in Public, in front of a stunned
congregation , and Margaret who was in the attendance of that wedding, ends up not defending
Hero over the claims. The two left, leaving the congregation in shock. Hero, who had fainted,
“revives over Pedro and Claudio leave only to be reprimanded by her father” (John, 76). The
Friar who was presiding ended up interrupting, believing that Hero was innocent. He ends up
telling the family to fake that Hero was dead, with the reason of obtaining the truth as well as
Claudio’s repentance. Prompted by the harrowing events of the day, Benedict and Beatrice
ends up confessing their love to each other; then Beatrice asks Benedict that, as prove of her
devotion, he has to kill Claudio. This is based on the fact that, he had slandered her kinswoman.
As a result, Benedict ended up being horrified and denied the request. After some time, he ends
up braking with Claudio, and challenges him for insulting Hero.
Both Leronato and Antonio, who was Hero’s uncle, subsequently blamed Claudio for
the death of Hero, and both challenges Claudio for a contest. Benedict, who was prompted by
Beatrice, does a similar thing. Luckily enough, on the day of Don John’s deceitfulness, the

9. Surname 9
local Watch has apprehended Borachio along with his ally comrade. Regardless of the Comic
ineptness by the Watch, (which was headed by constable Dogberry, who was a master of
malapropisms), they had heard the due discussion of their evil plans. They were arrested and
eventually obtained the villains profession, informing Leonato about the innocence of Hero.
Though John Don had fled the city, a force was sent to arrest him.
Though Claudio maintained that he had an honest mistake, was a repentant; he ends up
agreeing that apart from posting a suitable epitaph for Hero, but also marry a substitute, one of
the cousin to Hero, not Beatrice in her place (Kathryn, 89).
During the second wedding of Claudio, as dancers enter, the so called “cousin” is
unmasked as Hero, which becomes a surprise and gratuity to Claudio. Another impromptu
dance is announced. Prompted by their friends’, both Benedict and Beatrice, at last confesses
their love towards each other to the group at large. As the plays draws to a close, a messenger
arrives with news of John Don’s arrest; however, his punishment was postponed till the day
after to ensure that the couples were enjoying their newly found happiness (Phillipa, 47).
Word Study/Word Analysis
By the use of word search process I traced the use of the word wit in the play,
and I found that, the word wit has bee used in the twenty five times. Among the characters that
mostly used the word include Don Pedro, Benedick and Beatrice, all of them using the word six
times. The individual to whom the word is mostly directed to was Claudio. For instance, when
Pedro was talking to Claudio he said, “What a pretty thing man is when he goes in his, doublet
and hose and leaves off his wit!” (LoMonico, 5) Also Benedick told Claudio that, “I'll tell thee
what, prince; a college of wit-crackers cannot flout me out of my humor” (LoMonico, 5).
There are some instances where the variants (cognates, different parts of speech, antonyms,

10. Surname 10
synonyms, or word combinations) of the word are used. For instance, Leonato used the term
wit when meaning having any brain about you in line 317, “Hath the fellow any wit that told
you this” (Mueller, 26)?
The term wit is synonymous with the following words; humor, repartee, sarcasm and
irony. These nouns have been in application in different places to show the expression forms
that draw out the issue of amusement. However, going as per each noun definition, it will be
observed that, wit refers to the power of being much keen and perceiving as well as expressing
in a divert way from analogies between things that are dissimilar. On the other hand, humor
refers to the power of recognizing amusements or absurd. While on its side, the facilitation of
answering in a swift and clever manner is called Repartee. Sarcasm being a synonym of wit,
means ridiculing intentionally. Last but not least, irony is just a kind of expression in which [its
intended meaning emerges to be the opposite of the literal meaning of the words” (The Oxford
English Dictionary).
The word wit by the use of online Oxford English Dictionary from the GCU Library,
originated from the phrase denoting a faculty. According to this dictionary, this word means
“The seat of consciousness or thought; the mind: sometimes connotation one of its functions, as
memory or attention” (The Oxford English Dictionary). It can also be used to imply the point
of reasoning and thinking altogether. It has been used to reefers to the natural capability of
perceiving and understanding, which can be termed as intelligence. The term has also been
defined by others to mean the act of being capable to “perceive and express in an ingeniously
humorous manner the relationship between seemingly incongruous or disparate things” (The
Oxford English Dictionary).

11. Surname 11
The most interesting fact that the majority have discovered about the word wit is just
that it is a card game, involving deep thinking to outwit the competitor. The word has been
used in different plays for instance Much Ado about Nothing, to show different themes, like
infidelity. Many individuals for instance seem to be much obsessed by the issue that, men have
no ways of knowing if their wives are faithful and as a result, women take full advantage of it.
There was a time when John Don plays upon Claudio’s pride and the fear of cuckoldry, which
ends up leading to disastrous first wedding. Due to their mistrust of women sexuality, many
men belied that Hero was impure, even her father was just about to condemn her with very little
evidence. This kind of motive runs throughout the play, mostly in reference to horns, which is
symbol cuckoldry.

12. Surname 12
Works Cited
"Accord." Def. 5b. The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989. Print.
Anthony, Dawson. "Much Ado about Signifying." Studies in English Literature (Rice) 22.2 (1982):
211-22. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
Butler, Colin. 7. Practical Shakespeare: The Plays in Practice and on the Page. Athens: Ohio
University Press, 2005. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
Calandra, Denis. Much ado about nothing [electronic resource] : notes, including life of Shakespeare,
introduction to the play, brief synopsis of the play, list of characters, summaries and
commentaries, character. Anthens: Ohio University Press, 1984. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
Cook, Carol. "The Sign and Semblance of Her Honor: Reading Gender Differences in Much Ado
About Nothing." JSTOR 101.2 (1986): 186-202. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.jstor.org/pss/
Deborah, Cartmell, and Michael Scott. Talking Shakespeare: Shakespeare into the Millennium.
United Kingdom: Palgrave Macmillan, 2001. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
Gerlach, Jeanne, Rudolph Almasy, and Rebecca Daniel. "Revisiting Shakespeare and Gender." The
Women in Literacy and Life Assembly 5 (1996): 10-12.
http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/WILLA/. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
John, Cox. Seeming Knowledge: Shakespeare and Skeptical Faith. Waco: Baylor University Press,
2007. Print.
Kathryn, Walls. "Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING." Explicator 61.4 (2003): 200-02.
Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
LoMonico, Mike. Shakespeare Book of Lists: "List, List, on List!" (Hamlet 1.5.22) the Ultimate
Guide to the Bard, His Plays & How They've Been Interpreted (& Misinterpreted) Through the
Ages. Pompton Plains: Career Press, Incorporated, 2001. Web. 17 Feb. 2011.

13. Surname 13
McEachern, Claire., ed. The Arden Shakespeare; Much Ado about Nothing. 3rd ed. Walton-on-
Thames: Arden Shakespeare. 2006. Print.
Mueller, Martin. "4. Shakespeare's Sleeping Beauties: The sources of `Much Ado about Nothing.'"
Modern Philology 91.3 (1994): 288-312. Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
Phillipa, Sheppard. "2. "Sigh no more ladies"-- the Song in Much Ado About Nothing:
Shakespeare." Literature Film Quarterly 33.2 (2005): 92-100. Academic Search Complete.
Web. 23 Feb. 2011.
Smith, Emma. The Cambridge Introduction to Shakespeare. United Kingdom: Cambridge University
Press, 2007. Academic Search Premier. Web.
Stephanie, Chamberlain. "1. Rotten Oranges and Other Spoiled Commodities: The Economics of
Shame in Much Ado about Nothing." Journal of the Wooden O Symposium 9 (2009): 1-10.
Academic Search Complete. Web. 23 Feb. 2011.