Much Ado About Much Ado About NothingNothing

ByBy

William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare

Much Ado About NothingMuch Ado About Nothing

Was written by William Shakespeare Was written by William Shakespeare sometime between 1596-1599sometime between 1596-1599

It is a comedy. What does this It is a comedy. What does this mean? Discuss with a partner…mean? Discuss with a partner…

In dramatic terms: a comedy is a In dramatic terms: a comedy is a play with a happy ending in which play with a happy ending in which things could possibly turn tragically things could possibly turn tragically wrong but don’t. There will be some wrong but don’t. There will be some humour in a comedyhumour in a comedy

In fact Much Ado About In fact Much Ado About Nothing is a Romantic ComedyNothing is a Romantic Comedy

Romantic comedies are very popular films Romantic comedies are very popular films today, here are a few examples of today, here are a few examples of Romantic Comedies:Romantic Comedies:

Just Like HeavenJust Like Heaven 10 Things I Hate About You10 Things I Hate About You Four Weddings and a FuneralFour Weddings and a Funeral Notting HillNotting Hill

Can you think of any more similar films Can you think of any more similar films which you would call a Romantic Comedy?which you would call a Romantic Comedy?

Romantic ComediesRomantic Comedies

What are the things that What are the things that you expect… the you expect… the conventions… of Romantic conventions… of Romantic Comedies?Comedies?

Pre-reading Speaking and Pre-reading Speaking and Listening activity…Listening activity…

In groups of roughly 4 persons, write a In groups of roughly 4 persons, write a brief play script. The scenario is: a group brief play script. The scenario is: a group of friends meet. Two of the friends used to of friends meet. Two of the friends used to ‘go out with’ each other, the girl is called ‘go out with’ each other, the girl is called Beatrice and the boy is called Benedick. Beatrice and the boy is called Benedick. They actually still have feelings for each They actually still have feelings for each other but try to pretend that they hate other but try to pretend that they hate each other. They are rude and insulting to each other. They are rude and insulting to each other and try to get the better of each other and try to get the better of each other all of the time…each other all of the time…

How do we lay out a play script??????How do we lay out a play script??????

Drama SkillsDrama Skills

Now you have written your play scripts, you Now you have written your play scripts, you should now rehearse. You must should now rehearse. You must concentrate on:concentrate on:

Speaking clearly and confidentlySpeaking clearly and confidently Using gesture and voice intonation to Using gesture and voice intonation to

express yourselfexpress yourself Using body language to express yourselfUsing body language to express yourself Using facial expressions to express yourselfUsing facial expressions to express yourself Don’t turn your back to the audience at any Don’t turn your back to the audience at any

timetime Make eye contact with the other actorsMake eye contact with the other actors

The SATs Shakespeare The SATs Shakespeare PaperPaper

The paper is 45 minutes long. It assesses your The paper is 45 minutes long. It assesses your reading.reading.

You will have one task to respond to which will be on You will have one task to respond to which will be on one or both of your set extracts from your set one or both of your set extracts from your set scenes: Act 1, Scene 1 – lines 1-123 and Act 2, scenes: Act 1, Scene 1 – lines 1-123 and Act 2, Scene 1 – lines 183-end.Scene 1 – lines 183-end.

You will need to know the scenes well and to plan You will need to know the scenes well and to plan your answer. The question could focus on the your answer. The question could focus on the following:following:

text in performancetext in performancecharacter and motivationcharacter and motivationlanguage of the textlanguage of the textideas, themes and issuesideas, themes and issues

Watching the Film of Much Ado Watching the Film of Much Ado About NothingAbout Nothing

The Characters…The Characters…

Don John the villainDon John the villain

Don Pedro, the Prince of AragonDon Pedro, the Prince of Aragon

Claudio, the young Florentine who Claudio, the young Florentine who loves Heroloves Hero

Hero Hero

Watching the Film of Much Ado Watching the Film of Much Ado About NothingAbout Nothing

The Characters…The Characters… Benedick and BeatriceBenedick and Beatrice

Fill in the gaps plot summary Fill in the gaps plot summary based on watching the filmbased on watching the film

Complete attached worksheetComplete attached worksheet

Women in the 1500’sWomen in the 1500’s

Women had very few rights during this time. Society in Women had very few rights during this time. Society in both England and Italy was very patriarchal – this means both England and Italy was very patriarchal – this means that society was dominated by men: girls had to obey that society was dominated by men: girls had to obey their fathers and then their husbands. For daughters of their fathers and then their husbands. For daughters of noblemen (such as Leonato) their marriages were often noblemen (such as Leonato) their marriages were often arranged. Most importantly, a woman MUST be a virgin arranged. Most importantly, a woman MUST be a virgin when she is married. when she is married.

The fact that Claudio believed (wrongly) that Hero was not The fact that Claudio believed (wrongly) that Hero was not a virgin; A belief which caused him to publicly humiliate a virgin; A belief which caused him to publicly humiliate Hero on her wedding day; was, during the 1500’s a Hero on her wedding day; was, during the 1500’s a perfectly acceptable reaction. The fact that Leonato was perfectly acceptable reaction. The fact that Leonato was so angry and violent towards Hero when she was so angry and violent towards Hero when she was declared a ‘loose’ woman was, again, a perfectly declared a ‘loose’ woman was, again, a perfectly acceptable reaction in the 1500’s. acceptable reaction in the 1500’s.

This is why Don John’s evil plan was such a good one! This is why Don John’s evil plan was such a good one!

The FilmThe Film

WWhat did you think of the hat did you think of the film?film?

Reading the PlayReading the Play

Your first Set SATs Scene for 2007 is Your first Set SATs Scene for 2007 is Act 1, Scene 1: lines 1-123 Act 1, Scene 1: lines 1-123 (‘I learn (‘I learn in thisin this letter…’letter…’ to … to …’You always ’You always end…of old’)end…of old’)

Lines 1-24Lines 1-24

In pairs, read these lines and answer tIn pairs, read these lines and answer the questions on the attached workshehe questions on the attached worksheet.et.

Reading Lines 1-24Reading Lines 1-24

As a class read the As a class read the lines 1-24lines 1-24

Write a summary Write a summary of what has of what has happened as a happened as a classclass

How are the How are the audience introduced audience introduced to Leonato in William to Leonato in William Shakespeare’s Much Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing?Ado About Nothing?

Writing a response…Writing a response… You are writing a response to the Leonato question on You are writing a response to the Leonato question on

your your ‘‘Writing a Response’ Sheet - Writing a Response’ Sheet - LeonatoLeonato:: Each arm on your brainstorm will become a small Each arm on your brainstorm will become a small

paragraph in your responseparagraph in your response You must add on an introduction at the startYou must add on an introduction at the start You must add on a conclusion at the endYou must add on a conclusion at the end You must use at least 1 quote per paragraphYou must use at least 1 quote per paragraph You must refer back to the question at least once per You must refer back to the question at least once per

paragraphparagraph You must use ‘connectives’ (see your You must use ‘connectives’ (see your connectives sheetconnectives sheet) )

at the beginning of paragraphs and sentences + in the at the beginning of paragraphs and sentences + in the middle of sentences – follow your connective with a middle of sentences – follow your connective with a commacomma

Sample IntroductionSample Introduction

Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy written by William Shakespeare. It is set written by William Shakespeare. It is set in Messina, Italy in the sixteenth century. in Messina, Italy in the sixteenth century. In lines 1-24 (Act 1, Scene 1) the audience In lines 1-24 (Act 1, Scene 1) the audience learn that the Prince of Aragon is coming learn that the Prince of Aragon is coming to Messina and that Claudio fought well in to Messina and that Claudio fought well in the recent battle.the recent battle.

Sample ParagraphSample Paragraph

In the first twenty four lines of Much Ado About In the first twenty four lines of Much Ado About Nothing, the audience learn that Leonato is a Nothing, the audience learn that Leonato is a wise man who has fought in wars,wise man who has fought in wars,

‘‘A victory is twice itself when the achiever brings A victory is twice itself when the achiever brings home full numbers.’home full numbers.’

This quote suggests that Leonato knows what a This quote suggests that Leonato knows what a war is and knows how wonderful it is not to lose war is and knows how wonderful it is not to lose too many soldiers. It also suggests that he too many soldiers. It also suggests that he knows exactly what it is like to lose many men in knows exactly what it is like to lose many men in fighting.fighting.

ClaudioClaudioLines 1-24Lines 1-24

What does each quote below reveal about What does each quote below reveal about Claudio?Claudio?

‘‘young florentine’young florentine’ Don Pedro has ‘bestowed much honour on Don Pedro has ‘bestowed much honour on

him’him’ ‘‘He hath borne himself beyond the promise He hath borne himself beyond the promise

of his age..’of his age..’ ‘‘doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a doing in the figure of a lamb the feats of a

lion’lion’ ‘‘He hath an uncle here in Messina’He hath an uncle here in Messina’

‘‘As pleasant as he ever wasAs pleasant as he ever was ’’

The messenger says The messenger says

this of Signior Benedick this of Signior Benedick

of Padua. of Padua.

What does this tell What does this tell

you about him?you about him?

Go to worksheets on lines 30-78Go to worksheets on lines 30-78

BeatriceBeatriceher first words on Benedickher first words on Benedick

‘‘He set up his bills here in Messina and challenged He set up his bills here in Messina and challenged Cupid at the flight; and my uncle’s fool, reading theCupid at the flight; and my uncle’s fool, reading the

Challenge, subscribed for Cupid, and challenged him at Challenge, subscribed for Cupid, and challenged him at The bird-bolt’The bird-bolt’

She says:She says:

Benedick has challenged all in Messina by saying that he WILL NOT Benedick has challenged all in Messina by saying that he WILL NOT fall in love with any woman. Leonato, Beatrice’s uncle, has set out fall in love with any woman. Leonato, Beatrice’s uncle, has set out

to prove Benedick wrongto prove Benedick wrong

What impression do the audience get of Benedick now?What impression do the audience get of Benedick now?Why might Beatrice say this about him?Why might Beatrice say this about him?

Go to worksheets on lines 30-78Go to worksheets on lines 30-78

Beatrice…her first words on Benedick continued…Beatrice…her first words on Benedick continued…

……how many hath he killed and eaten in these wars…For how many hath he killed and eaten in these wars…For indeed I promised to eat all of his killing…indeed I promised to eat all of his killing…

The fact that Benedick killed and ate whom he killed tells you The fact that Benedick killed and ate whom he killed tells you what about how Beatrice sees Benedick?what about how Beatrice sees Benedick?

Why too might she promise to eat all of his killing?Why too might she promise to eat all of his killing?

He is a very valiant trencher-man’He is a very valiant trencher-man’

Beatrice says that Benedick eats a lot, in other words that he Beatrice says that Benedick eats a lot, in other words that he is greedy…is greedy…

These activities are on the ‘Beatrice…her first words on These activities are on the ‘Beatrice…her first words on BenedickBenedick’ worksheets’ worksheets..

‘‘He’ll be meet with you, I doubt He’ll be meet with you, I doubt it not’it not’

Leonato says that: ‘he is quite sure Leonato says that: ‘he is quite sure that Benedick will get even with that Benedick will get even with Beatrice for all of the mean things Beatrice for all of the mean things that she is saying about him’that she is saying about him’

What does this tell you about the What does this tell you about the relationship between Beatrice and relationship between Beatrice and Benedick?Benedick?

Go to worksheets on lines 30-78Go to worksheets on lines 30-78

There is kind of merry war There is kind of merry war betwixt Signior Benedick and betwixt Signior Benedick and

her…her…

They never meet but there is a They never meet but there is a skirmish of wit between them…skirmish of wit between them…

What does this tell you about the What does this tell you about the relationship between Beatrice and relationship between Beatrice and Benedick?Benedick?

Go to worksheets on lines 30-78Go to worksheets on lines 30-78

Beatrice on Benedick…Beatrice on Benedick…

In our last conflict four of his five wits went In our last conflict four of his five wits went halting off…Who is his companion now? halting off…Who is his companion now? He hath every month a new sworn He hath every month a new sworn brother.’brother.’

Beatrice says of Benedick that he is ‘a Beatrice says of Benedick that he is ‘a sandwich short of a picnic and sandwich short of a picnic and

That each month he has a new best friendThat each month he has a new best friend

What does this tell you about how she sees him?What does this tell you about how she sees him?Go to worksheets on lines 30-78Go to worksheets on lines 30-78

In lines 30-78 what do the audience In lines 30-78 what do the audience learn about the relationship learn about the relationship

between Beatrice and Benedick?between Beatrice and Benedick? Use the activities on your Worksheets to help you with your Use the activities on your Worksheets to help you with your

brainstorm for this assignment – each arm on the brainstorm brainstorm for this assignment – each arm on the brainstorm becomes a paragraphbecomes a paragraph

Add on an introduction (look back at your previous introduction)Add on an introduction (look back at your previous introduction) Add on a conclusion: a paragraph at the end which sums up all that Add on a conclusion: a paragraph at the end which sums up all that

you have learnt about Beatrice and her relationship with Benedickyou have learnt about Beatrice and her relationship with Benedick Use connectivesUse connectives Use one quote per paragraphUse one quote per paragraph Make a point, use evidence to back it up, explain how the evidence Make a point, use evidence to back it up, explain how the evidence

helps to back up the point you have made (see attached example)helps to back up the point you have made (see attached example) Refer back to the question at least once per paragraphRefer back to the question at least once per paragraph

Go to the Beatrice and Go to the Beatrice and BenedickBenedick essay and plan essay and plan

P E E P E E

Beatrice clearly has little faith in Benedick’s ability to fight Beatrice clearly has little faith in Benedick’s ability to fight like a brave man and a strong soldier. (This is the point.)like a brave man and a strong soldier. (This is the point.)

‘‘But how many hat he killed? ForBut how many hat he killed? Forindeed I Promised to eat all of his killing.’ (This is the indeed I Promised to eat all of his killing.’ (This is the

evidence.)evidence.)This quote clearly reveals that Beatrice does not think very This quote clearly reveals that Beatrice does not think very

highly of Benedick as it shows her doubting the number highly of Benedick as it shows her doubting the number of men he could kill and it shows her being sarcastic. of men he could kill and it shows her being sarcastic. For if she offered to eat all of the men that he killed she For if she offered to eat all of the men that he killed she cannot think he would kill very many. Hence, it clearly cannot think he would kill very many. Hence, it clearly shows the audience that Beatrice does not hold Signior shows the audience that Beatrice does not hold Signior Benedick in very high esteem. (This is the evidence Benedick in very high esteem. (This is the evidence explained, clearly it links with the point.)explained, clearly it links with the point.)

Lines 79-97Lines 79-97

Don Pedro arrives: he is obviously pleased to Don Pedro arrives: he is obviously pleased to see Leonato and Leonato is likewise pleased see Leonato and Leonato is likewise pleased to see Don Pedro.to see Don Pedro.

Bendick jokes with Leonato about whether he Bendick jokes with Leonato about whether he doubted that he was Hero’s father: ‘Were doubted that he was Hero’s father: ‘Were you in doubt sir, that you asked her?’you in doubt sir, that you asked her?’

This joking makes Benedick out as a joker, This joking makes Benedick out as a joker, someone who teases, someone who doesn’t someone who teases, someone who doesn’t take life seriously and someone who doesn’t take life seriously and someone who doesn’t believe that women are honest…believe that women are honest…

Lines 98-123Lines 98-123

Beatrice and Benedick talk to one another Beatrice and Benedick talk to one another and insult each other. They try to get the and insult each other. They try to get the better of one another.better of one another.

Match the translation to the Shakespearean version using the cut up Match the translation to the Shakespearean version using the cut up lineslines

Then, using the worksheet, write your response to the relationship betwThen, using the worksheet, write your response to the relationship between Beatrice and een Beatrice and

BenedickBenedick in these lines in these lines

Summary Act 1, Scene 1Summary Act 1, Scene 1Key SceneKey SceneLines 1-123Lines 1-123

Leonato learns that Don Pedro, Leonato learns that Don Pedro, victorious in the recent wars, is victorious in the recent wars, is coming to Messina that night. coming to Messina that night. Claudio has fought well in the war. Claudio has fought well in the war. Benedick is coming too. Beatrice Benedick is coming too. Beatrice teases the messenger about teases the messenger about Benedick. The soldiers arrive and Benedick. The soldiers arrive and Benedick and Beatrice insult each Benedick and Beatrice insult each other.other.

Summary of the remainder of Act 1, Summary of the remainder of Act 1, Scene 1Scene 1

After Beatrice’s and Benedick’s exchange of insults, After Beatrice’s and Benedick’s exchange of insults, all of the characters go into Leonato’s house. all of the characters go into Leonato’s house. Claudio and Benedick remain behind. Claudio tells Claudio and Benedick remain behind. Claudio tells Benedick that he has fallen in love with Hero. Benedick that he has fallen in love with Hero. Benedick laughs at Claudio’s falling in love so Benedick laughs at Claudio’s falling in love so suddenly and tells Don Pedro all about it. Benedick suddenly and tells Don Pedro all about it. Benedick has a very negative view of love and marriage and has a very negative view of love and marriage and both Claudio and Don Pedro side with each other both Claudio and Don Pedro side with each other against Benedick. Both Claudio and Don Pedro against Benedick. Both Claudio and Don Pedro have a positive attitude towards love and have a positive attitude towards love and marriage. In private, Claudio asks Don Pedro for marriage. In private, Claudio asks Don Pedro for his help in wooing Hero. Don Pedro approves such his help in wooing Hero. Don Pedro approves such a match as the one between Claudio and Hero. a match as the one between Claudio and Hero. Don Pedro offers to woo Hero for Claudio and he Don Pedro offers to woo Hero for Claudio and he offers to obtain permission from Leonato for offers to obtain permission from Leonato for Claudio to court and to marry his daughter Hero.Claudio to court and to marry his daughter Hero.

Summary of the rest of Act 1 Summary of the rest of Act 1 (up until your next key scene)(up until your next key scene)

Act 1, Scene 2: Leonato’s servant incorrectly tells Act 1, Scene 2: Leonato’s servant incorrectly tells him that Don Pedro is in love with Hero. Leonato him that Don Pedro is in love with Hero. Leonato is pleased but decides to wait and see what is pleased but decides to wait and see what happens between Don Pedro and his daughter.happens between Don Pedro and his daughter.

Act 1, Scene 3: Don Pedro tells his friend Conrade Act 1, Scene 3: Don Pedro tells his friend Conrade that he is unhappy about the reconciliation with that he is unhappy about the reconciliation with his half brother (Don Pedro). Borachio tells his half brother (Don Pedro). Borachio tells Conrade and Don John about Claudio’s intention Conrade and Don John about Claudio’s intention to marry Hero. Don John, a villain, immediately to marry Hero. Don John, a villain, immediately begins thinking of ways to ruin Claudio’s begins thinking of ways to ruin Claudio’s happiness.happiness.

Summary of Act 2, Scene 1 up Summary of Act 2, Scene 1 up until your key sectionuntil your key section

There is a masked ball at Leonato’s There is a masked ball at Leonato’s house. Beatrice insults a masked house. Beatrice insults a masked Benedick and upsets him. Claudio Benedick and upsets him. Claudio becomes very upset when he is told becomes very upset when he is told by Benedick who was told by Don by Benedick who was told by Don John that Don Pedro is wooing Hero John that Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself…for himself…

Act 2, Scene 1Act 2, Scene 1Lines 183 to the endLines 183 to the end

Patriarchy, willow trees Patriarchy, willow trees and birds…and birds…

Go to the worksheets on this sectionGo to the worksheets on this section

Practice SATs QuestionsPractice SATs Questions

Go to the worksheets on Go to the worksheets on this section……this section……

SATsSATs20082008

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