Much Ado About Nothing Analysis

Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing is said to be a romantic comedy. One reason being because of the way Beatrice and Benedick throw sarcastic remarks at each other and bicker into falling in love with each other. Another reason being how Claudio and Hero fall in love, are tricked into breaking up, and end up back together again. Although the play is supposed to be humorous, it does contains events that are not so comical. Because of this, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is not only humorous but also tragic. The tragic events mainly occur within Claudio and Hero’s relationship and is all started by the scheming Don John. The first tragic event occurs at the masquerade ball where Don Pedro is to woo Hero on Claudio’s behalf. Although Borachio knows that this is the plan, him and the other men including Don John decide to stir up trouble. Don John and the other men approach Claudio, pretending as if they think he is Benedick, and propose that Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself. Claudio is discouraged and says, “This is an accident of hourly proof, Which I mistrusted not. Farewell, therefore, Hero!” (Act II, scene i) However, later on Don Pedro comes and announces that Claudio and Hero are all set to get together.

Borachio and Don John both team up to frame Hero and make her look unfaithful and disloyal. Claudio, Don Pedro, and Don John take a walk while they witness Borachio talking romantically with Margaret, who is dressed in Hero’s clothes. Claudio sees this and believes that Hero is disloyal to him. The next day at the wedding, Claudio denounces Hero with the promised help of Don Pedro. Don Pedro proclaims, “Myself, my brother and this grieved count Did see her, hear her, at that hour last night Talk with a ruffian at her chamber-window.” (Act IV, scene