Much Ado About Nothing Discussion
Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing is indeed, initially about nothing. The first scene begins after the end of a 'small war' between brothers Don John and Don Pedro, which resulted in nothing and very few losses. All involved in the war are headed to the home of Leonato, where his daughter Hero and his niece Beatrice also live. The first scene is a lot of exposition about characters; it especially shows the relationship between Beatrice and one of Don Pedro's officers Benedick. Beatrice and Benedick exchange jabs such as "I wonder that you still be talking, Signior Benedick, nobody marks you" (1.1.114-5). This relationship is set up in contrast to the attraction between Hero and Claudio, another officer of Don Pedro. Claudio falls in love at first sight with Hero, a love which Benedick mocks. When Claudio says that Hero is the sweetest woman he has ever laid eyes on, Benedick responds "I can see yet without spectacles, and I see no such matter...