Act 2 Scene 4 Of Much Ado About Nothing

Act 2 Scene 4

Act 2, Scene 4 opens in a medium-sized room of Lorenzo’s home. Gratiano, Lorenzo, Salarino, and Salanio are gathered around a round table at the center of the stage. Salarino and Salanio are seated directly next to each other. They are all comfortable and deep in thought. A few moments of silence should be held for the audience to grasp the scenery before the first line is spoken by Lorenzo. The very first word of the scene, “Nay” (2.4.1), should be spoken in a hushed voice. As Lorenzo speaks his relaxed body jolts upward as if an intelligent thought has come to him. He looks at each person sitting at the table as he confidently speaks, “we will slink away in supper-time, Disguise us at my lodging and return, All in an hour”

A pause follows, in which Lorenzo looks up from the envelope and gazes into the distance, fantasizing about his future. Gratiano, aware of Lorenzo’s feelings asks, “Love-news, in faith?” (2.4.16) with mild interest. Gratiano looks at Lorenzo while delivering this line. During this exchange, Lancelot is standing next to Lorenzo awkwardly. In attempt to free himself of the amateurish moment, Lancelot delivers his next line; “By your leave, sir” (2.4.17). These words break Lorenzo out of his dreamy trance. Lancelot turns as if about to leave before his motions are interrupted by Lorenzo’s question, “Whither goest thou?” (2.4.18). Despite reluctance shown through facial features, Lancelot turns to face Lorenzo and speaks the his assigned line (2.4.19) in a merry, business-like manner. Subsequently, Lorenzo declares, “Hold here”, and retrieves money from his pocket. He places it in Lancelot’s palm saying, “Hold here, take this: tell gentle Jessica I will not fail her; speak it privately” (2.4.20-21). Lorenzo does not let go of Lancelot’s palm before he is finished speaking. In response to Lorenzo’s demand, Lorenzo nods his head and exits to the right, the same way he

He cries, “Go, gentlemen” while raising his arms in excitement. After a short pause adds, “Will you prepare you for this masque tonight? I am provided of a torch-bearer” (2.4.22-25). Salarino appears pleased by the heightened energy and gleefully exclaims, “Ay, marry, I'll be gone about it straight”. Salanio speaks directly after Salarino as if he is his echo; “And so will I” (2.4.26-27). The duo begins to gather their belongings as Lorenzo urgently speaks, “Meet me and Gratiano At Gratiano's lodging some hour hence” (2.4. 28-29). Salarino stands up and pushes in his chair while replying, “'Tis good we do so” (2.4. 29). Salanio copies Salarino and the two exit to the right of the stage. Gratiano watches them