Why is Don John so bitter?
He is easy to understand but not to the people in the play. He is a strong character but not the main character, how far can he go to become the main character, does this change?
Why does Beatrice hate Benedick?
How the love is definitive in Shakespeare's plays, how love develops between Beatrice and Benedick.
The interest in Don John- who he is? why is he a bastard?
The characters with authority, how shown in the play
How does the play conclude, how it happens, the structure, change?
Why do the characters not show their true identity- why use a mask?
Atmosphere- playful banter, will this change?
Why is the play called Much Ado about Nothing?
Why is Don Pedro so into getting Claudio and Hero together?
Confusion- could this be deliberate, the readers work the story out before the characters do. Dramatic irony.
Standard characters- the villain, the hero, prince and princess.
Beatrice and Hero, why are they such different characters- to show that how strong minded Beatrice is compared to Hero, who rarely speaks. Lacks a voice.
Powerful role of women in the play.
Hero and Claudio are the typical lovers, courting, but Beatrice and Benedick are put together instead.
Hero- an object to the men. She is so quiet, what is she thinking about getting married to Claudio? does she have a secret?
There are no mother figures, Beatrice is a mother to Hero.
Through the others Benedick and Beatrice are set up.
Don John has just told Don Pedro and Claudio of Hero being unfaithful on the night before their wedding. Claudio is horrified, IF she has been then he will jilt her at the alter.
Useful questions. Are we heading for a traditional Shakespearean comedy or is there a more serious side? Are there modern issues that come to light? What themes are emerging?
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