Monday, April 28, 2014

Fourth Classic of 2014...

"How much better is it to weep at joy than to joy at weeping?"

In Shakespeare's plays, the road to love is never smooth or straightforward. Much Ado About Nothing is no exception to this rule. Claudio has fallen in love with Leonato's daughter, Hero, but Don John is determined to disgrace Hero and break up the match before their wedding can take place. Then there are Beatrice and Benedick, who quarrel like better enemies, but who, with a little secret maneuvering by their friends, finally fall in love. It takes five acts of mistaken identity, misunderstanding, and mischief before all is set right, but it ends happily ever after.

I thought this was one of Shakespeare's easier plays to read. It certainly didn't bog down any where. And talk about a perfect title! There is much ado about nothing in this play. Beatrice and Benedick trade barbed jests throughout the play; Don John's plot against Hero and Claudio, while effective at first, is resolved relatively quickly and easily; and no one dies! (Sorry if that's a spoiler.)

While this will never be my favorite Shakespearean play, I did enjoy it, and I'd definitely like to see it performed onstage someday.

"I will live in thy heart, die in they lap, and be buried in they eyes..."


6 comments:

  1. I got to see this one onstage this year, and it was pretty enjoyable. I do love the witty barbs between Beatrice and Benedick and it is aptly titled. I have am about halfway through reading this one. I am impressed you have read 4 classics this year. Way to stick to your goal!

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    1. Thank you! I just hope I don't get stuck on classic #5. All of my remaining choices are rather long...sigh. Wish me luck :)

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  2. This isn't one of my favourites either, but I'm planning to re-read it soon as I have a copy of Marina Fiorato's new novel, Beatrice and Benedick, and wanted to remind myself of the play first. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

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    1. You'll have to tell me if you like the novel; it sounds interesting...especially having just read the play.

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  3. This is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, and I've seen it several times on stage and the movie version with Branagh and Thompson is one of my favorite all-time movies. Plus, my daughter played Beatrice when she was a senior in high school, and my son was also in the cast. I absolutely love the relationship between Beatrice and Benedick, and between Beatrice and Hero.

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    1. Good to know about the movie. And you're right about the relationship between Beatrice and Hero...it really adds to the play. Someday I hope to see this one performed live. Thanks for stopping by!

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