Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's most imaginative and exuberant comedies, contrasting two pairs of lovers in a witty and suspenseful battle of the sexes. Attracted to each other, the maddeningly skeptical Beatrice and Benedick are dead-locked in a lively war of words until their friends hatch a plot to unite them. The mutually devoted Hero and Claudio, on the other hand, all too quickly fall victim to a malicious plot to part them. Near-fatal complications ensue, but with the help of the hilarious Constable Dogberry and his confederates, the lovers are ultimately united.
First presented in 1598, Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's last comedies. Its darker undercurrents foreshadow the playwright's growing concern with the frailties of human character that would dominate his late tragedies. But in its clever turns of plot, vivacious displays of wit, jovial conversations, and charming songs, this merry comedy is among Shakespeare's most artistic creations.
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This title provides just the right balance for the study of language, imagery and theatricality, and of character and context, enabling students to gain a clear understanding of the text. It contains introductory essays focussing on topics related to social, cultural and historical context. Introductions to each scene pointing out a central feature and ensuring that students understand the plot. Extensive notes and well-placed illustrations provide clear explanations of words and phrases, and a general overview of the meaning for easy reference. Accompanying support packs provide clearly structured and easily manageable resource materials for Assessment Objective-driven coursework assignments.
Description:
Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's most imaginative and exuberant comedies, contrasting two pairs of lovers in a witty and suspenseful battle of the sexes. Attracted to each other, the maddeningly skeptical Beatrice and Benedick are dead-locked in a lively war of words until their friends hatch a plot to unite them. The mutually devoted Hero and Claudio, on the other hand, all too quickly fall victim to a malicious plot to part them. Near-fatal complications ensue, but with the help of the hilarious Constable Dogberry and his confederates, the lovers are ultimately united.
First presented in 1598, Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's last comedies. Its darker undercurrents foreshadow the playwright's growing concern with the frailties of human character that would dominate his late tragedies. But in its clever turns of plot, vivacious displays of wit, jovial conversations, and charming songs, this merry comedy is among Shakespeare's most artistic creations.
**
This title provides just the right balance for the study of language, imagery and theatricality, and of character and context, enabling students to gain a clear understanding of the text. It contains introductory essays focussing on topics related to social, cultural and historical context. Introductions to each scene pointing out a central feature and ensuring that students understand the plot. Extensive notes and well-placed illustrations provide clear explanations of words and phrases, and a general overview of the meaning for easy reference. Accompanying support packs provide clearly structured and easily manageable resource materials for Assessment Objective-driven coursework assignments.