Much Ado About Nothing
Don Pedro’s brother John tries to ensure that the course of true love does not run smooth.
1598
Don Pedro’s brother John tries to ensure that the course of true love does not run smooth.
1598
‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is William Shakespeare’s enduring comedy of love, imposture and high society, written in 1598 or the following year. The topsy-turvy plot (of which what follows can only be a glimpse) is full of gossipy wit, but it deals with a serious subject: a lady’s reputation.
FLUSHED with success in battle, Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, repaired to Messina in Sicily for a well-earned rest in the house of the Governor, Leonato. With him went two Italian lords, Claudio and Benedick, and Don Pedro’s stepbrother, Don John.
Don John was envious of Claudio’s place in Don Pedro’s trust. Imagine his glee when his servant Borachio whispered to him that he had overheard Claudio sighing for the love of Hero, Governor Leonato’s daughter. Don John at once saw an opportunity for ‘mischief’; but his feeble attempts to sow discord during a masked ball were frustrated, when gallant Don Pedro secured Leonato’s permission for Hero and Claudio to marry.
And Don Pedro went on playing Cupid. He convinced Benedick that Leonato’s acid-tongued niece Beatrice, who had been teasing him mercilessly for years, was sweet on him. Not to be outdone in match-making, Hero found a surprisingly tender place in Beatrice’s heart for Benedick too.Romance was all around, and Claudio to be married next day; so when wicked Don John hinted darkly that Hero might be unfaithful, her fiancé Claudio could barely believe it.
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
How did Don John hope to win Don Pedro’s favour?
By disgracing Claudio, his brother’s closest friend.