Much Ado About Nothing: Synopsis
It's time for our next play, and we are so excited to dive into the world of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. As always, we will start off with a detailed plot summary, breaking down the action of the play scene by scene. Let's dive in!
Kourtney Smith (KS): Hi Elyse.
Elyse Sharp (ES): Hi Kourtney.
KS: How are you today?
ES: I’m doing pretty well. How are you?
KS: I’m also doing pretty well. Today’s a very exciting day for us at Shakespeare Anyone?.
ES: Yes. It’s also ex-starting. (pause) It’s always ex-starting… (laughs)
KS: (laughs)
ES: It’s always exciting when we start a new play. (laughs)
KS: Yes, absolutely. It’s always bittersweet to close the previous series. But I’m especially excited for this series.
ES: Mhm.
KS:Yeah. As you can tell, listeners, from the title of this episode we are starting our Much Ado About Nothing series.
ES: I’m so excited to finally be talking about Much Ado. It’s a favorite between the two of us. I– I think that’s safe to say.
KS: I agree. Yeah, yeah– it’s a favorite.
ES: And, when thinking about what to do next, we were like, oh, we’ve done a couple of tragedies, we should do a comedy. And then at the same time we both went: Much Ado.
KS: Yeah. 1, 2, 3 – Much Ado.
ES: So this is our synopsis episode. That means we are just gonig to go through every single scene and give summaries of what happens in the play. No analysis. Just the plot. And we will dive into deeper analysis in our future episodes in the series.
KS:Yeah, yeah. So don’t get mad at us when we don’t explain all of the very funny jokes that are a product of things happening in the time. It’s like, this is the bare bones. This is what you need to know if you are going to go see this play.
ES: Yes. Now, please enjoy!
KS: The play begins with Leonato, the governor of Messina, Hero, his daughter, and Beatrice, his niece, talking about a letter with a messenger. According to the letter, Don Pedro, the prince of Aragon, is coming to Messina tonight. The messenger shares that Don Pedro and his company are close. We also learn that they have just won a victorious battle. After the battle, Don Pedro honored a young Florentine man named Claudio for his great skill and promise, in spite of his young age. The honor brought to Claudio is so great that his uncle, who also lives in Messina, wept when he heard the news.
ES: The conversation is interrupted by Beatrice who asks if Signor Mountanto also survived the wars. The messenger doesn’t know of anyone by that name in the army. Hero clarifies that Beatrice means Signor Benedick of Padua. The messenger confirms Benedick has returned and compliments Benedick for his agreeability. Beatrice contradicts the messenger by joking about Benedick’s foolishness and insults his military ferocity, suggesting that Benedick didn’t kill anyone during battle. Leonato scolds Beatrice for criticizing Benedick too much and predicts that Benedick will get even with her.
KS: The messenger tells Beatrice that Benedick did good service in the wars. But Beatrice counters that Benedick is a glutton, to which the messenger reiterates he’s also “a good soldier too, lady”. (Too being t-o-o). We mention this because now Beatrice begins her verbal one-upmanship by playing on the messenger’s term too (t-o-o) by accepting Benedick is a good soldier to a lady (to being t-o) but questions what Benedick is to a lord. The messenger confirms that Benedick is a lord, a soldier and full of honorable values, but Beatrice remains unconvinced.
ES: Leonato then excuses his niece and explains that there is a sort of war of wits between Benedick and her. Beatrice continues to insult Benedick with a sort of Elizabethan last-brain-cell joke as she recounts the damage she did to four of his five wits leaving Benedick governed with one. This last wit is all that distinguishes him as a reasonable human compared to, say, his horse. Beatrice then asks who is in Bendick’s company. Apparently, Benedick changes his friends as often as he changes the fashion of his hat.
KS: From all of this, the messenger comes to the conclusion that Benedick is not in Beatrice’s favor. Beatrice agrees and presses the messenger about Benedick’s company. She asks if there is some troublemaker with Benedick. The messenger answers that Benedick is actually in the company of the noble Claudio. Beatrice predicts that Benedick will hang upon Claudio like a disease and catch the Benedick. She expresses sorrow for Claudio because Benedick is an expensive disease to cure. Leonato comments Beatrice is very unlikely to catch the Benedick. Beatrice agrees.
ES: Don Pedro and his company, which includes Claudio, Benedick, Balthasar and his brother Don John (labeled in this play as “the bastard”) enter. Don Pedro playfully greets Leonato. He tells Leonato that Leonato has come to greet his trouble, or the trouble of hosting guests, at a time when it is not the fashion to host guests. Leonato retorts that his guests are no trouble. In fact, Leonato states that he will be sad to see them leave. Don Pedro thinks that Leonato takes on his host responsibilities too willingly.
KS: Don Pedro then turns his attention to Hero and assumes that she is Leonato’s daughter. Leonato states that her mother told him many times that Hero is his daughter. This is the first of many references to female infidelity in this play. Benedick enters the chat and asks if Leonato was in doubt, seeing as he felt he had to ask. Leonato jokes that no, because he (Benedick) would have been too young to father Hero, an implication that Benedick is a womanizer and that he is the only womanizer in town. Don Pedro adds that Hero resembles her father and that she should be happy because she is like her honorable father.
ES: Don Pedro and Leonato walk apart from the group. Benedick continues to talk about Hero’s resemblance to Leonato, guessing Hero wouldn’t want to look exactly like her father (an old man with a beard). Beatrice asks Benedeck why he is still talking. Nobody's listening to him. Benedick wonders that Beatrice is still alive, calling her “Lady Disdain.” Beatrice retorts that it's impossible for her to die when she could feed on Benedick. She notes it's also impossible to not turn into Lady Disdain when Benedick is present. Benedick brags that he is loved by all ladies, except for Beatrice, which is a shame for them because he doesn’t love anyone. Beatrice actually thinks this is good for women because Benedick would be a bad suitor.
KS: But Beatrice does agree with Benedick on one thing – she doesn’t want a man to fall in love with her either. They continue to banter until Benedick decides he’s done sparring – to which Beatrice accuses Benedick of ducking out of the game of wits, a trait of his that she knows well.
ES: Don Pedro, still speaking privately with Leonato, announces that he has retold the battle in its entirety. Don Pedro then tells Claudio and Benedick that Leonato has invited them to stay for a month. Leonato also wishes there will be a reason for them to stay longer, a generosity that Don Pedro thinks is genuine. Leonato then extends an invitation to Don John, Don Pedro’s reconciled brother. Don John accepts, and all but Benedick and Claudio exit.
KS: Claudio asks Benedick if he noticed Leonato’s daughter, Hero, and asks about her reputation. Benedick asks if Claudio wants him to answer as an honest man or answer based on his own not-so-favorable perspective on women. Claudio choses the former. Benedick says that he does not like Hero. Claudio accuses Benedick of not taking this seriously and so he demands Benedick tell him what he really thinks of Hero. But first, Benedick wants to know why – is Claudio asking because he is romantically interested in Hero, or is he being a rascal? Claudio responds that Hero is the most beautiful lady he has ever seen. Benedick counters that he simply doesn’t see it. Benedick thinks that Hero’s cousin Beatrice, though unbearable, far exceeds Hero in beauty. Comparing Beatrice to Hero is like comparing May to December!
ES: Benedick then tells Claudio that he hopes Claudio doesn’t want to get married and become… a husband. (Gross!) Claudio replies that, even though he had previously sworn he wouldn’t become a husband, he would now… if Hero would become his wife. Benedick cannot believe it’s come to this and asks if there is not a single man who isn’t at risk of cuckoldry? He fears he’ll never see an aging bachelor again (because every young man is getting married). But, if Claudio must, Claudio should just go off and get himself tied down by marriage.
KS: Just then, Don Pedro enters to talk to Claudio. Don Pedro inquires about whatever secret it is that has stopped them from following everyone else to Leonato’s home. Benedick begs Don Pedro (his superior) to order him to tell – which suggests Claudio is gesturing for Benedick to remain silent. Thus Don Pedro commands Benedick to spill the beans. Benedick spills that Claudio is in love with Hero. Claudio doesn’t admit it until Don Pedro validates that Hero is a worthy woman. With this, Claudio confesses his love for Hero. However, Benedick still refuses to admit her lovability. Don Pedro and Claudio comment on Benedick’s stubbornness over love. Benedick responds by swearing off women completely, claiming he doesn’t trust them to be faithful and swears he will live as a bachelor. Don Pedro does not believe Benedick will sustain from love, but Benedick insists he will never fall in love, or else he’d be made a cuckold.
ES: Don Pedro suggests that, in the meantime, Benedick go to Leonato’s to send Don Pedro’s regards and ensure to Leonato that Don Pedro will be at supper. Benedick believes he can handle the task, and he exits.
KS: With Benedick gone, Claudio asks Don Pedro to do him a favor. Claudio asks Don Pedro if Leonato has a son, and we learn from Don Pedro that Hero is Leonato’s only child. Don Pedro then asks if Claudio loves Hero. Claudio confesses that, before their military mission, he thought she was attractive, but couldn’t consider turning that affection to love. Now that they are back from war, he recognizes that he did like her. Don Pedro believes Claudio will become a lover in no time. If Claudio loves Hero, Don Pedro says he will broach the question with her and her father. Don Pedro plots that at tonight’s party he will woo Hero for Claudio. Then he will talk to Leonato. Don Pedro concludes: Hero will be Claudio’s. They exit.
ES: Some time before the party, Leonato and his brother Antonio enter separately to meet. Leonato greets Antonio and asks where his nephew is. He also asks if his nephew has provided the music for the party. Antonio replies that his son is busy working on it. Antonio quickly changes the subject to share some news he heard: apparently, a servant of his overheard Don Pedro tell Claudio that he loves Hero and that Don Pedro intends to tell her and then broach the conversation with Leonato. Leonato can’t believe this news. He says that he will tell Hero what Antonio told him so that she may be prepared for it, just in case the news is true. Leonato then commands Antonio to go and tell Hero of the news. Antonio exits. Attendants enter to prepare for the festivities, and Leonato exits with one of them.
KS: In an unspecified place, Don John and his companion Conrade enter. Conrade asks Don John why he is so melancholy. Don John responds that there is no limit to the source of his sadness, or in other words, the limit to his sadness does not exist. Conrade suggests Don John should hear reason. Even if reason doesn’t bring an immediate remedy, it will at least be a temporary fix. But Don John says that he cannot hide who he is and must be true to his feelings. Conrade observes that Don John cannot be true to his feelings until he is free to act without restraint – specifically, the restraint of his brother, Don Pedro, to whose good graces he has only recently returned. Conrade warns Don John to behave well so that he may prosper.
ES: But Don John reveals that he would rather be a weed in a hedge than a rose in Don Pedro’s graces, and, in fact, it better fits his status as an illegitimate son to be disdained than to adopt a false demeanor and gain favor under false pretenses. Don John accepts his role as a plain-dealing villain who has been welcomed back into favor under restrictions. But if Don John had his way, he says he would do what he pleases. Until that time, he asks Conrade not to try to change him. Conrade asks if Don John can find a way to profit from his present situation. Don John agrees that he’ll make use of the situation because that’s his occupation.
KS: Suddenly, Borachio enters. Don John asks Borachio what news he brings. Borachio shares that he just came from a lavish party where Don Pedro is being royally entertained by Leonato. At this dinner, he learned about an intended marriage. Don John asks if this information will serve as the blueprint for mischief, and he wants to know who plans to marry. Borachio reveals that Don John’s right hand man, the exemplary squire, Claudio plans to betroth Hero, Leonato’s daughter and heir. Borachio learned all of this by eavesdropping on Don Pedro and Claudio from behind a curtain. The plan is that Don Pedro will woo Hero for Claudio.
ES: Don John decides they should go to the party because this might be fuel for his plot. It’s perfect because Don John reveals that he blames Claudio for being the upstart who took all of his glory after Don Pedro overthrew him. Therefore, Don John decides that if he can trouble Claudio in any way, he will certainly benefit. Don John asks Conrade and Borachio if they are loyal to him and if they will help. Both agree. Don John invites them to join him to the great supper in order to investigate. They exit.
KS: Leonato, Antonio, Hero and Beatrice enter. This takes place some time after supper and before reveling. Leonato asks if Don John was at supper. Antonio says he did not see him. Beatrice comments on how disagreeable Don John looks, and Hero adds that he has a melancholy disposition. Beatrice theorizes that a man whose disposition is somewhere between Don John’s and Benedick’s would be an excellent man. This is because Don John doesn't talk at all, and Benedick talks too much! Leonato’s solution is that half of Benedick’s talkativeness should be given to Don John and half of Don John’s melancholy disposition given to Benedick. Beatrice adds that, with additional qualities like charm and money, such a man could win any woman in the world – if he could get the woman’s favor.
ES: Beatrice’s attitude leads Leonato to comment that Beatrice will never get herself a husband if she speaks so shrewishly! Antonio agrees that Beatrice is curst. Beatrice one-ups both her uncle and father and says that she is too curst. According to Beatrice, God sends curst women a husband who is an inconspicuous cuckold. However, God sends a woman too curst no man at all and, therefore, Beatrice will never have a cuckold husband. Beatrice goes on to explain all of the reasons she doesn't want a husband and how she will enter Heaven as a maiden.
KS: Antonio then turns to Hero and tells her that he expects she will be ruled by her father. Beatrice agrees that her cousin, Hero, will be dutiful, demonstrate respect and do what pleases her father. However, Beatrice also gives Hero a piece of advice that Hero should make sure her husband is handsome as it pleases her.
ES: Leonato brings the conversation back to Beatrice and hopes that he will see her with a husband one day. But Beatrice says she won’t marry until men are made of different stuff. If a wife is supposed to be ruled by her husband, she’d rather not be married than commit her life to a clod of clay. Additionally, Adam’s descendants are her relatives, and to marry a relative is a sin.
KS: Leonato returns his attention to his daughter and advises Hero to remember what he told her: if the prince Don Pedro talks to her about the subject of marriage, Hero knows her answer. Beatrice then gives Hero advice about Don Pedro. She tells Hero that if Don Pedro doesn’t court her properly it’ll be because of his timing. If the prince is too hasty, she should tell him everything has a rhythm, and marriage is like a dance. The three stages of marriage are: first, courtship is lively like a Scotch jig; second: the actual wedding is a modest dance full of tradition and third: the regret is like a cinque-pace dance that goes faster and faster until the husband dies. Leonato responds that Beatrice views the world very satirically, to which Beatrice states that she has a good eye and can see what is patently obvious.
ES: Just then, the revelers Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Balthasar, Margaret and Ursula (both waiting women to Hero), Don John, Borachio and others enter in masks. Music and dancing begin. All of the following conversations take place during a group dance.
KS: Don Pedro asks Hero to dance with him. Hero agrees to dance. Don Pedro confirms that she’ll dance with him, and Hero responds that she will when she pleases. Don Pedro asks when it will please her, and Hero responds when she likes his face – remember he is wearing a mask. Don Pedro asks Hero to speak low if she speaks of love. They move aside.
ES: Balthasar and Margaret come forward, mid-conversation. Balthasar tells Margaret that he wants her to like him. Margaret says that, for Balthasar’s sake, she would not because she has many bad qualities. Balthasar asks what is one of her bad qualities. Margaret shares that she says her prayers aloud, a reference to being a religious enthusiast. Balthasar loves this quality. Margaret asks God to match her with a good dancer and take him away when the dance is done. Balthasar says that he gets the message and they move aside.
KS: Ursula and Antonio come forward. Ursula tells Antonio that she knows him – he is Signor Antonio. Antonio denies it. Ursula insists she recognizes him, but Antonio says that he only impersonates Antonio. Ursula does not believe the lie because he couldn’t imitate Antonio so well – he is Antonio. Antonio continues to deny it. But Ursula recognizes his wit and virtue and tells him that he is Antonio and that’s all there is to say. Ursula and Antonio move aside.
ES: Benedick and Beatrice come forward, also mid-conversation. Beatrice asks Benedick to tell her who told him so (A topic we as the audience don’t know yet). But Benedick will not. Beatrice then asks Benedick if he will tell her who he is – remember, they are both masked. Benedick says not now. We learn that someone called Beatrice disdainful and said that she gets her wit out of a hackneyed book. Beatrice accuses Benedick of having said this. Masked Benedick plays dumb and asks about this Benedick person. Beatrice tells the masked Benedick that Benedick is a fool whose only skill is libel. Only libertines like him for his villainy – he pleases and then angers men, so people laugh at Benedick and then beat him (like the court fool). Beatrice is certain Benedick is somewhere in the group and wishes he would take her on.
KS: Masked Benedick tells Beatrice that when he meets this Benedick, he’ll tell Benedick what she said. Beatrice agrees that he should. She also advises that, if Benedick says anything slanderous about her, masked Benedick should not notice it or laugh at it, which will greatly upset Benedick. Beatrice then points out that they should keep up with the pace of the dance. But if the dance leads do poorly, Beatrice will leave at the change of the dance figure. All dance and exit except for Don John, Borachio and Claudio.
ES: Don John tells Borachio that his brother Don Pedro is interested in Hero, and Don Pedro has withdrawn with Hero’s father to talk about it. Don John also points out that all of Hero’s ladies have followed her, but one masked man remains in the room. Borachio, aside to Don John, tells him that the masked man is Claudio. Don John then approaches Claudio to begin his plot. Don John asks Claudio if he is Signor Benedick. Claudio lies and tells them yes he is Benedick. Aware Claudio is lying, Don John identifies Benedick as being a dear friend who intimately knows about Don Pedro’s love life. Don John shares with Claudio as Benedick that Don Pedro is in love with Hero, but asks Claudio as Benedick to dissuade Don Pedro from Hero because Hero is not equal to Don Pedro in social status. Claudio as Benedick asks Don John how he knows that Don Pedro is in love with Hero. Don John says he heard Don Pedro say so. Borachio agrees that he did as well. Don John and Borachio exit to go to the banquet.
KS: Claudio laments that he answered to Don John as Benedick but heard this news with the ears of Claudio. Claudio believes that Don Pedro has betrayed him and woos Hero for himself. Claudio states that friendship is reliable in all things except for love. Everyone in love must only speak for themselves and never trust anyone to act on their behalf. Even though this happens all the time, Claudio never suspected it would happen to him. Now he will never be with Hero.
ES: Benedick enters. Benedick confirms Claudio’s identity and then asks Claudio to go with him. Claudio asks where to. Benedick tells him wherever he wants to conduct his business, for Don Pedro has won his Hero. Claudio thinks Don Pedro has won Hero for himself, and he wishes Don Pedro happiness with Hero. Benedick asks if Claudio thinks Don Pedro has pulled a trick on him. Claudio asks Benedick to leave him alone. Benedick accuses Claudio of lashing out and taking it out on the messenger. If Benedick won’t leave, Claudio says he’ll leave. Claudio exits.
KS: Benedick notes that Claudio is like a hurt bird who will go into a hiding place. He then changes the subject to complain about how Beatrice knows him but doesn’t know him. If Benedick is called a fool, that label might just be because he is high-spirited! Benedick then realizes he is doing himself wrong. He is not actually regarded as a fool by others. This is Beatrice’s opinion of Benedick and she is representing her own opinion of Benedick as the world’s opinion. Due to this, Benedick will get his revenge on Beatrice.
ES: Just then, Don Pedro, Hero and Leonato enter. Don Pedro asks Benedick of Claudio’s whereabouts. Benedick reports that he played the messenger and told the melancholy Claudio that Don Pedro has got the good will of Hero. In addition, Benedick offered to join Claudio to a willow tree in order to either help him make a garland as a forsaken lover or to bind willow switches to beat him. Don Pedro asks why Claudio should be whipped. Benedick responds that Claudio’s fault is finding something he likes and then showing it to his friend who steals it. The garland might have been for Claudio, but the whip might have been used on Don Pedro, who Benedick accuses of stealing Hero from Claudio. Don Pedro says he will fix this. Benedick says that if Leonato and Hero corroborate Don Pedro’s story, he will believe Don Pedro.
KS: Don Pedro then tells Benedick that Beatrice has a problem with Benedick. Apparently, a gentleman she danced with said that she has been injured by Benedick’s slanderous statements about her. Benedick counters that, actually, Beatrice has abused him! Benedick recounts how, while he was masked and could’t be identified, Beatrice told him that he was a jester, and he describes how her words stabbed him like daggers. Benedick announces that he would not marry her because she is so unbearable. He wishes someone would exorcise her so that men may live in peace because disquiet, horror and perturbation follows her.
ES: Claudio and Beatrice enter. Seeing Beatrice, Benedick asks to be sent on a task in order to avoid having to stay and talk with Beatrice. He begs Don Pedro for a job of any kind. Don Pedro’s only job he has for Benedick is Benedick’s good company. Benedick simply cannot stand to be near Beatrice and so he exits. Don Pedro tells Beatrice that she has lost the heart of Benedick. Beatrice agrees that Benedick once lent her his heart and so she gave him her heart in return; but, as it turns out, he won her heart falsey and so, yes, you could say Beatrice lost Benedick’s heart. Don Pedro scolds Beatrice for demeaning Benedick, and she replies that she did it so that he would not do it to her and prove her the mother of fools.
KS: But Beatrice gets to business: she has brought Claudio to Don Pedro. Don Pedro asks Claudio why he is so sad. Claudio denies being sad. Don Pedro asks if Claudio is sick. Claudio denies being sad or sick. Beatrice tells Don Pedro that Claudio is grave and jealous. Don Pedro agrees with Beatrice and thinks that Claudio’s jealousy is based on a falsehood. Don Pedro clarifies to Claudio that he wooed Hero on Claudio’s behalf, and Hero has been won. The matter has been broached with Hero’s father, and Leonato gives good will. Claudio now needs to name a day for the marriage ceremony.
ES: Leonato affirms this by telling Claudio to take Hero and, with her marriage, his fortunes. Don Pedro made this match and God blesses it. Beatrice prompts Claudio to say something. Claudio states that he is so happy he is left speechless. But he is able to tell Hero that just as Hero is his, he is Hero’s. Claudio gives himself to her and delights in the trade. Beatrice prompts Hero to speak or, if she has nothing to say, she should kiss him to stop him from talking.
KS: Beatrice narrates that Hero whispers into Claudio’s ear and guesses that Hero is telling Claudio that she loves him. Claudio confirms this. Beatrice announces it’s a marriage! Beatrice also notes that most everyone in the world is married and she will remain a spinster and sigh for a husband. Don Pedro ensures Beatrice that he will get her a husband. So, Beatrice asks if Don Pedro has any brothers. Don Pedro instead asks if Beatrice will have him, but she rejects him because it would be too exhausting to be married to someone so well-born for seven days a week while she is merely born to speak nothing of substance. Don Pedro reassures her that he wouldn’t want to inhibit her speech.
ES: Leonato interrupts by asking Beatrice to complete a task he had previously told her of. Leonato might have invented this task to save Beatrice and Don Pedro from embarrassment regarding the marriage rejection. Beatrice excuses herself and exits. Don Pedro comments on Beatrice’s pleasant spirit, and Leonato adds that Beatrice is never sad except for when she sleeps. According to Hero, Beatrice has had bad dreams and then wakes herself up laughing. Don Pedro also observes that Beatrice will not hear anything about a husband. Leonato agrees that Beatrice mocks all of her wooers out of courtship. Don Pedro points out that Beatrice would be an excellent wife for Benedick. Leonato assumes they would talk each other into madness.
KS: We learn that Claudio and Hero’s marriage will be in a week’s time. In the meantime, Don Pedro suggests that they entertain themselves by undertaking a Herculean labor: make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love with each other. Don Pedro would love for it to be a match and he could engineer it so long as the three of them help. Leonato, Claudio and Hero agree to the task. Don Pedro predicts that, even though Benedick seems an unpromising husband, he can be manipulated with the help of Claudio and Leonato. Additionally, Don Pedro will teach Hero how to manipulate Beatrice to fall in love with Benedick. They exit to learn Don Pedro’s plan.
ES: Don John and Borachio enter. Don John tells Borachio that Claudio will marry Hero. Borachio says that he can prevent the marriage from happening. Don John says that any obstacle, trouble or impediment to the marriage will be healing. Don John hates Claudio so much that whatever hinders Claudio lines up with Don John’s goal. He asks Borachio how he can stop this marriage. Borachio says it will be so covert that no one will suspect him. Since Borachio is in the favor of Hero’s waiting woman Margaret, he can call her from Hero’s window at any hour of the night. Borachio will use this relationship to his advantage.
KS: First, Don John should go tell Don Pedro that Don Pedro has made a mistake setting Claudio up with Hero because Hero is an impure woman. In order to make Don Pedro believe it, Don John needs to first tell Don Pedro and Claudio that Hero loves Borachio. Next, Don John needs to pretend to be loyal to his brother to gain his trust. Last, Don John needs to bring Don Pedro and Claudio to Hero’s window on the night before the wedding while they manipulate proof. That night, Don Pedro and Claudio will see Borachio at Hero’s window and hear Borachio call Margaret “Hero” and hear Margaret call Borachio “Claudio”. This act will make it look like Hero is disloyal, so Don Pedro and Claudio’s suspicions will be confirmed, and the wedding will be called off. Don John agrees to put this into practice. He tells Borachio to work on this and promises to pay him. Don John also says he will find out the wedding day. They exit.
ES: Benedick enters the orchard some undetermined time later (perhaps the next day). He orders a page to get a book from his bedroom and bring it to him. The page exits. Benedick wonders aloud how a man can, after laughing at other men for becoming foolish lovers, become the lover that he previously argued against. He’s specifically talking about Claudio. Benedick says that he knew Claudio when Claudio wasn’t a lover but a soldier. Benedick goes on to lay out the distinct differences between male soldiers and male lovers. Benedick wonders if he could be converted into a lover, but he doesn’t think so. Benedick thinks he’s more likely to be turned into an oyster than be made into such a fool as a lover. While there are women of good qualities, until a woman has all of the qualities, no woman will be in Benedick’s favor.
KS: Just then, Benedick spots Don Pedro and Claudio, and he hides in the trees. Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio and Balthasar enter with music. Don Pedro asks Claudio and Leonato in an aside if they saw where Benedick hid himself. Claudio confirms he did and says that, when the music ends, they’ll get Benedick. Don Pedro commands Balthasar to sing the song again, but Balthasar doesn’t want to butcher it. Eventually Don Pedro convinces Balthasar to sing this good humored song about male inconstancy to women. When the song ends, Benedick comments on Balthasar’s bad singing voice. Don Pedro asks Balthasar to get some excellent music for their visit to Hero’s chamber window tomorrow night. Balthasar agrees and exits.
ES: Don Pedro calls Leonato over and the plot begins! This next part involves two conventions Shakespeare uses often: asides and on-stage overhearing. Don Pedro, Claudio and Leonato do a lot of the asides, and Benedick does a lot of the comic on-stage overhearing. So, Don Pedro loudly asks Leonato to remind him what he said earlier: was it that Beatrice is in love with Benedick? Claudio then says in an aside to proceed carefully because Benedick is listening. Claudio then raises his voice and responds that he didn’t think Beatrice would love any man. Leonato agrees, but apparently Beatrice loves Benedick and only pretends to hate him outwardly. Benedick, still hiding, asks himself (or the audience) if that’s possible.
KS: The plot continues as Leonato shares that, yes, Beatrice loves Benedick passionately. Don Pedro suggests Beatrice is only pretending to love Benedick, but Leonato says the imitation of love looks nothing like the way Beatrice displays her passion. This is amazing considering everyone thought Beatrice’s behavior towards Benedick suggests the opposite. Leonato shares that Beatrice has not made her affection known to Benedick, and never will, which torments her. Claudio says that Hero can corroborate this story. Apparently, Beatrice has tried to write a love letter confessing her feelings to Benedick. One time she tore up the letter and scolded herself because she knew Benedick would scorn her if he saw it, and then she wept and wailed.
ES: Don Pedro remarks that it would be good if Benedick learned of this from another person if Beatrice won’t reveal it. Claudio disagrees because he thinks Benedick would make fun and torment Beatrice more than he already does. While Don Pedro and Claudio agree that Beatrice is sweet, virtuous and wise, Leonato feels sorry for her concerning her predicament with Benedick. Don Pedro suggests they tell Benedick and hear what he has to say – but Claudio says Hero told him Beatrice would die if her love was made known. Don Pedro agrees that if Benedick knew, he’d likely scorn her. Additionally, Benedick would act like a coward if he knew.
KS: With all of this, they decide to not tell Benedick nor talk to Beatrice. Hero will be able to tell them more later. For now it’s best to leave Beatrice and this whole love thing alone. Don Pedro wishes that Benedick could examine himself to see how undeserving he is of Beatrice. Leonato, Claudio and Don Pedro announce they will be leaving and gather to talk. Don Pedro says that Hero and her gentlewomen must do the same to Beatrice. The fun will be when both Benedick and Beatrice hold the same opinion of the other’s love, even though none of it is true. They exit.
ES: Benedick, now alone on stage, emerges after overhearing everything (except for the asides). Long monologue short: Benedick now believes that Beatrice is secretly in love with him. He decides that this love must be requited. He hears how he is judged by others. While Benedick did not think he would marry and railed so hard against it, his mind has changed. Beatrice is a woman of great qualities, and he will be horribly in love with her. People can change their minds. When Benedick said he’d die a bachelor, he didn’t think he’d live long enough to marry.
KS: Beatrice enters. Benedick remarks that he now sees signs that Beatrice is in love. Beatrice approaches Benedick and tells him that she has been sent to ask him to come to dinner. Benedick thanks her kindly, and Beatrice does not respond in kind. While Beatrice did not take any pains to get him, she also took no pleasure in delivering the message. But if Benedick is not hungry, she’ll leave. Beatrice exits. Benedick concludes that there’s a double meaning in her message and decides he will make her his beloved. He exits.
ES: Some undetermined amount of time later, Hero and her gentlewomen, Margaret and Ursula enter into the orchard. Hero instructs Margaret to run to the parlor and tell Beatrice, who is conversing with Don Pedro and Claudio, that Hero and Ursula are walking in the orchard and talking about Beatrice. Hero says that Margaret should say that she overheard Hero and Ursula and that Margaret should tell Beatrice to hide in the honeysuckle-covered alleyway to secretly listen to Hero and Ursula. Margaret promises to do this and exits.
KS: Hero then tells Ursula that when Beatrice arrives, they will walk along the garden path that traces past the honeysuckle alleyway and talk only about Benedick. Hero says that when she names Bendick, Ursula should praise him. Hero will talk about how lovesick Benedick is over Beatrice–and this, she says, will be enough for Beatrice to fall in love with Benedick. This is another scene with a mix of theatrical over-hearing and asides.
ES: Then, Beatrice enters and Hero points out to Usula where Beatrice is and how Beatrice is trying not to be seen. In asides to each other, Ursula comments on how fun this will be, and Hero instructs that they should move closer to Beatrice so that Beatrice will definitely hear everything they say. They move closer and Hero begins the staged conversation as though Ursula asked her about Beatrice. Hero contends (in her pretend response) that Beatrice is too disdainful and coy. Ursula responds by asking if Hero is sure that Benedick loves Beatrice, and Hero responds that that is what she’s heard from Don Pedro and Claudio.
KS: Ursula then asks if Don Pedro and Claudio asked Hero to tell Beatrice about Benedick’s love. Hero responds that they did, however she persuaded them to tell Benedick to deal with his affection by himself and to not let Beatrice know. Ursula asks why Hero said this and asks if Hero thinks Benedick does not deserve such a fortunate marriage match as Beatrice. Hero responds that Benedick deserves the best a man can get, however Beatrice is too proud–she cannot love because she is so self-centered and enamored with herself.
ES: Ursula responds that she agrees Beatrice is too proud, and therefore, agrees that Beatrice should not know of Benedick’s love for her. Otherwise, Ursula says, Beatrice will make fun of Benedick’s love. Hero yes-and’s this by saying that she has never known a man whose virtues Beatrice couldn’t turn into faults. She then gives examples of how Beatrice would find a tall man too tall, a short man too short, etc. Ursula notes that this behavior of Beatrice’s is not becoming. Hero agrees, but notes that if she (or anyone) tried to tell Beatrice this, Beatrice would mock them to death. Therefore, Hero reasons, it is better for Benedick to keep his affections to himself until they wither away than to be mercilessly mocked for them.
KS: Ursula flips back to her original argument, that Beatrice should be told of Benedick’s affections. Hero responds that she would rather go to Benedick and advise him to fight against his feelings. In fact, Hero will tell Benedick of Beatrice’s foibles as a means to sour Benedick’s opinion of Beatrice. Ursula urges Hero to not wrong Beatrice in this manner, as someone as quick-witted as Beatrice must have the good sense to realize what a prize of a gentleman Benedick is. Hero agrees that Benedick is the best man in Italy (with the exception of her beloved Claudio). Ursula asks Hero’s forgiveness, but says that she favors Benedick over Claudio. They agree that Benedick is quite the man, and then Ursula changes the subject and asks Hero when she is getting married. Hero responds that after tomorrow, she will be married every day, and then invites Ursula to go with her to decide what to wear for the wedding. As they exit, Ursula and Hero note that Beatrice has definitely caught all of their conversation and has believed it all.
ES: Left alone on stage, Beatrice is momentarily shocked by what she has heard and how she has been condemned for her pride and scorn. She forswears her former contempt for Benedick and her maiden pride. She promises to requite Benedick’s love if he does love her, and she will be so kind that he will be convinced to marry her. She declares that others say he is deserving, and she believes it beyond what she has heard. She exits.
KS: Next (either in Leonato’s house or somewhere in the surrounding area) Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio, and a freshly shaven Benedick enter. Don Pedro announces that he will stay until after Claudio’s wedding, but then he will continue on to Aragon. Claudio offers to accompany Don Pedro to Aragon if Don Pedro would like. Don Pedro declines, saying that pulling Claudio away so soon from his marriage would ruin the honeymoon period. Don Pedro will only ask Benedick to accompany him because Benedick is all mirth.
ES: This is perhaps sarcastic as Benedick responds that he is not as mirth-y as he has previously been. Leonato notes that Benedick does appear more solemn and Claudio hopes Benedick is melancholy because he is in love. Don Pedro refuses this idea and says that Benedick cannot possibly be in love, and if he is sad, then it is because he lacks money. Benedick responds that he has a toothache, and the other three men teasingly tell him how to remedy it (side note: toothaches and love were believed to be associated in Shakespeare’s time). Benedick notes that every man can find solutions for problems that aren’t his own.
KS: Claudio, Don Pedro, and Leonato continue to teasingly debate over whether or not Benedick is in love. They note that he has recently seen the barber and is wearing foppish perfume. Don Pedro notes that the greatest indication that Benedick is in love is Benedick’s current melancholy. They agree that his change in hygiene and temperament all point to Benedick being in love.
ES: Claudio then claims to know who loves Benedick, and Don Pedro responds that it must be someone who doesn’t know him. Claudio responds that the lady in question does indeed know Benedick and loves him in spite of his faults. Don Pedro and Claudio also exchange some double entendres, and Benedick responds that they are not helping his toothache. Benedick asks Leonato to walk with him because he needs to discuss something with the older gentleman that his two friends (who he calls hobby-horses, or buffoons) shouldn’t hear. Leonato and Benedick exit.
KS: Don Pedro and Claudio comment on how Benedick is likely asking Leonato about Beatrice, and Claudio shares that Hero and Margaret have done their part with Beatrice (he possibly confuses Hero’s two waiting-gentlewomen here as Ursula was more integral to tricking Beatrice–or this is a slip up or missed revision by Shakespeare).
ES: Then, Don John enters and asks to speak to Don Pedro in private, though Claudio can hear as the matter concerns him. Don John asks Claudio if Claudio intends to marry tomorrow, and Don Pedro replies that Don John knows that. Don John replies that he is not sure Claudio will have the same intention once he knows what Don John knows. Don John reveals that Hero has been disloyal to Claudio–or even worse than disloyal. Don John invites Claudio to go with him tonight and see a man enter Hero’s chamber window the night before her wedding night. Don John says that if Claudio still loves Hero after seeing this, then he can go ahead with the wedding, however it would be better for Claudio’s honor if Claudio changed his mind.
KS: Don Pedro and Claudio are in a state of disbelief, and again Don John invites them to go with him tonight to see for themselves. Claudio agrees and says that if he sees something tonight that gives him reason to not marry Hero, then he will shame her in front of the congregation tomorrow during the wedding. Don Pedro agrees that if this proves true, he will also disgrace Hero because he played a part in wooing Hero for Claudio. Don John promises to not disparage the lady any further until Claudio and Don Pedro have seen her unfaithfulness with their own eyes, then he tells them to meet him at midnight. Claudio and Don Pedro curse Hero’s infidelity, and Don John notes that after tonight, they will be glad to have found out about her infidelity when they did. All three exit.
ES: Out on the street, Dogberry (the town constable), Verges (his fellow officer), and members of the neighborhood watch including George Seacoal and Hugh Oatcake are meeting. (Note: Dogberry, Verges, and the Watch use malapropisms, or unintentional and humorous misuses of words, throughout their scenes which adds a lot of comedy and confusion to the following. We won’t be able to detail them in the synopsis, but we want you all to be aware of this character and comedy detail.) Dogberry asks if the watch are honest men, and Verges confirms they are and prompts Dogberry to give the watch their instructions. Dogberry asks who among them should be deputy constable (or lead the watch in Dogberry’s absence). One watchman speaks up that it should be either Hugh Oatcake or George Seacoal because they can read and write. Dogberry calls Seacoal up, gives him a lantern because he is the best fit for leading the watch in Dogberry’s absence, and instructs them to apprehend any vagrant men.
KS: Dogberry then says that they can tell any man to halt in the prince’s name (remember, that’s Don Pedro). Seacoal asks what they should do if a man does not halt. Dogberry says to just let the man go on his way, then call the rest of the watch and be glad that no one had to deal with a knave. Verges explains that if a man doesn’t halt in the name of the prince, then logically, he isn’t one of the prince’s subjects. Dogberry agrees and says that the watch only needs to deal with people who are subjects to the prince. Dogberry also instructs the men that they should not talk or make noise in the streets. A watchman replies that they would rather sleep than talk, as they know what is expected of a watch. Dogberry replies that this watchman sounds experienced and that he agrees that sleeping on the watch is not offensive at all. Dogberry only cares that their weapons are not stolen.
ES: Dogberry then tells the watch to go around to all of the alehouses and get those who are drunk to go home. A watchman asks what to do if the drunkards won’t go home. Dogberry says that they should then be left alone until they are sober and can agree to go home. If they are sober and don’t agree to go home, then they aren’t the drunkards the watch is looking for anyway. Dogberry also instructs the watch that if they meet with a thief, they should know that the thief is dishonest and the less they deal with dishonest men, the better for their own reputations. A watchman asks if they should not arrest someone they know to be a thief, and Dogberry responds that while they legally can, it would be more peaceful to let the thief steal away (a pun on thieves stealing).
KS: Verges commends Dogberry’s mercy, then instructs the watch that if they hear a child crying, they should wake the child’s nurse and have her quiet the child. The watch asks what they should do if the nurse is asleep and doesn’t wake. Dogberry responds that they can then move along and let the child’s cries wake the nurse. Dogberry then wraps up the instructions by reminding the watch that they are acting on the authority of the prince, and even if they met the prince in the night, they could stop and interrogate him (as long as the prince is willing and consents to being questioned by someone of lower status than he is).
ES: Dogberry wishes the watch good night, and he and Verges begin to exit. George Seacoal instructs the rest of the watch to sit down on a nearby bench until 2 am and then go to bed. Dogberry then returns and tells the watch to keep a close eye on Leonato’s house because there will be much hubbub tonight due to the wedding tomorrow. Dogberry and Verges then completely exit.
KS: The watchmen remain onstage as Conrade and Borachio enter, with George Seacoal instructing the rest of the watch to remain silent as they closely observe Conrade and Borachio’s conversation. Borachio tells Conrad that he has earned a thousand ducats from Don John. Conrade wonders what sort of villainy could cost so much, and then Borachio goes on a digression about fashion. The watchmen comment on parts of this digression which causes Borachio and Conrade to think they hear something, and then decide they didn’t. After musing about clothing for a while, Conrade asks Borachio to loop back to his original story about getting a thousand ducats.
ES: Borachio reveals that this very night, he has wooed Margaret, Hero’s gentlewoman by the name of Hero, and they had a typical lover’s-leaving scene (like in Romeo and Juliet) with Margaret outside of her mistress’s chamber window. He then realizes that he is not telling the story well and says that first, Conrade should know that Don John, Claudio, and Don Pedro were watching all this from a distance in the orchard, in a spot that Don John planted them.
KS: Conrade asks if Don John, Claudio, and Don Pedro thought Margaret was Hero, and Borachio responds that Claudio and Don Pedro did, while Don John knew Margaret was Margaret. Borachio reveals that this scene he enacted seemingly confirmed some slanders delivered by Don John to Don Pedro and Claudio earlier in the night, and Claudio left the orchard enraged and swore to shame Hero in front of the entire wedding congregation tomorrow morning and leave her at the altar. At this moment, the watch reveal themselves and charge Borachio and Conrade to halt in the name of the prince. George Seacoal orders another watchman to go get Dogberry. The watch arrest Borachio and Conrade with little protest. All exit.
ES: Next, inside Leonato’s house, Hero, Margaret, and Ursula enter mid-preparations for the wedding. Hero tells Ursula to go wake up Beatrice and bid her join them. Ursula exits, and Margaret and Hero continue discussing what Hero should wear on her wedding day. While they disagree over which ruff Hero should wear, Margaret praises Hero’s gown. Hero wishes for god to give her joy to wear the dress as her heart is heavy (presumably a lover’s melancholy). Margaret makes a sexual joke which Hero says is inappropriate, and Margaret counters that since she is joking about relations between a husband and wife, it is completely appropriate and Beatrice will agree.
KS: Beatrice enters, and after they greet each other, Hero asks if Beatrice has a head cold because she is speaking like she is sick. Beatrice confirms that she does. Margaret suggests a song and dance to cheer both Beatrice and Hero up. Beatrice jokingly denies Margaret’s suggestion, and then tells Hero that it is almost five o’clock (in the morning) and Hero should be ready by now. Beatrice remarks on how sick she feels. Margaret proceeds to tease Beatrice about whether she is truly sick or if she has undergone a change and is actually heartsick after claiming she would never fall in love. Margaret notes that Benedick seems to have changed after swearing he would never marry and now seems to want to marry. Margaret notes that Beatrice could undergo a similar conversion. Ursula then enters and urges Hero to get a move on because Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, Don John, and all the other gentlemen have come to bring her to church. Hero asks Beatrice, Margaret, and Ursula to help her get dressed quickly, and they all exit.
ES: Outside of Leonato’s house, Leonato enters to speak with Dogberry, Verges, and another constable. After much back and forth, which Leonato notes as tedious (and indeed, constables were notoriously tedious to deal with in Shakespeare’s time), Verges reveals that the watch has apprehended two men. Dogberry attempts to excuse Verges talking out of turn, at which point Leonato attempts to leave this conversation. Dogberry then confirms that they have apprehended two men, and they would like to interrogate the men with Leonato as a witness.
KS: Leonato tells them to just interrogate the men themselves–can’t they see he is in a hurry to get to the church? Dogberry promises that their interrogation will be sufficient, and Leonato tells them to have some wine. A messenger enters to tell Leonato that the entire wedding is waiting for him, and Leonato leaves with the messenger. Dogberry instructs Verges to get Francis Seacoal (either another member of the literate Seacoal family or perhaps one of Dogberry’s malapropisms and he really means George). Dogberry tells Verges to go get Francis Seacoal to bring his ink and paper to the jail so they can interrogate Borachio and Conrade. They exit.
ES: At the church, Don Pedro, Don John, Leonato, Friar Francis, Claudio, Benedick, Hero, Beatrice, and other members of the wedding congregation enter and Leonato instructs the friar to keep the marriage ceremony short, sweet, and to the point. The friar then begins the vows and asks Claudio if he comes to the church to marry Hero. Claudio replies no. Leonato, believing Claudio may have misunderstood, corrects the friar that technically the friar is here to marry Hero (meaning, perform the ceremony) and Claudio is here to be married to Hero.
KS: Friar Francis then asks Hero if she comes here to be married to Claudio, and she replies that she does. The friar then asks if either of them know of any inward reason that they should not be married, and if they do, then he charges them to confess it to him. Claudio asks if Hero knows any, and she says she knows of no reason they should not be married. The friar asks Claudio if he knows of any reason, and Leonato interjects that there is none. Claudio then lets forth a stream of non-answers, and Benedick comments that these must be a joke.
ES: Claudio then asks the friar to stand by and asks Leonato directly if Leonato freely gives his maiden daughter to be Claudio’s bride. Leonato replies that he does so as freely as Hero was given to him by God. Claudio asks what he can possibly give Leonato that is of equal worth. Don Pedro says there is nothing, unless Claudio gives Hero back to Leonato. Claudio thanks Don Pedro for this idea and tells Leonato to take Hero back. He then does what he has promised and publicly shames Hero, calling her a rotten orange and saying that her maidenly appearance is just an outward show. Leonato asks Claudio what Claudio means, and Claudio replies that he means not to be married to a proven wanton woman.
KS: Leonato begins to tell Claudio that if Claudio has taken Hero’s virginity out of wedlock–but Claudio cuts him off, saying he knows what Leonato will say: that if they have already slept together, then the sin would be excused because of their marriage. However, Claudio proclaims that he has not had sex with Hero and has only ever behaved as a proper gentleman should with a lady. Hero asks if she has ever been anything other than proper to Claudio, and he turns on her. He curses her and her appearance of chastity and promises to bear witness how she seemed chaste but was actually the opposite–a slut.
ES: Hero asks if Claudio feels well because, to her, his speech is odd and deranged. Leonato asks Don Pedro why Don Pedro has not intervened. Don Pedro asks why he should intervene, as he is dishonored to have set up his friend to marry a whore. Leonato asks aloud if this is true or if he is dreaming. Don John affirms that all this is true. Benedick comments that this no longer seems like a wedding, as Hero reacts to the assertion that what has been said about her is true (which the audience knows is false).
KS: Claudio responds to Leonato, asking Leonato to affirm that Claudio, Don Pedro, and Don John are present, that Hero is Hero, and that they have not somehow changed eyes. Leonato affirms this but asks Claudio to explain what this proves. Claudio asks permission to ask Hero one question and asks Leonato to bid Hero answer truthfully. Leonato (in his power as Hero’s father) does so, and Hero asks why she is suddenly besieged with an examination.
ES: Claudio replies that the purpose of his interrogation is to prove if she is worthy of her name (the character of Hero in Greek mythology was known for her loyalty). Hero responds that her name is Hero and asks who can tarnish her name. Claudio responds that she can ruin her own name, then asks Hero, if she is truly a maid, to tell him who the man was who talked with her at her window last night between midnight and one a.m. Hero responds that she talked with no man at that hour.
KS: Don Pedro interjects that Hero is therefore not a maid. He apologizes to Leonato and reveals that he, Don John, and Claudio saw and heard Hero speak with a ruffian outside her window. Don Pedro reveals that this ruffian has confessed to over a thousand secret “vile encounters.” Don John interjects that the details of these encounters are too explicit to recount in mixed company, then tells Hero that he is sorry for her bad behavior. Claudio then laments that Hero could’ve been worthy of her namesake if half of her outward, maidenly appearance and graces had been set as inner qualities (like thoughts and behavior) instead. Claudio then bids Hero farewell and forswears love, as he will now forevermore be suspicious of women.
ES: Leonato then asks the room if any man’s dagger in the room is meant for him. Hero faints, and Beatrice attends to her. Don John tells Don Pedro and Claudio to leave with him because clearly Hero has fainted because her infidelity has been brought to light. Don John, Don Pedro, and Claudio exit. Benedick asks Beatrice how Hero is doing, and Beatrice responds that Hero might be dead. Beatrice calls for help from her uncle, Benedick, and the Friar. Leonato asks Fate to take Hero’s life as death is the only thing to rid her of this shame. Hero then awakes and is comforted by the friar and Beatrice. Leonato turns on Hero and tells her that she is better off dead, and that if her shames don’t kill her, Leonato will. He laments that he has only one child, and that this one that he was so proud of and loved so much has fallen so far.
KS: Benedick interrupts Leonato, telling him to be patient as Benedick is still stunned and processing everything that has happened. Beatrice swears on her soul that Hero is slandered. Benedick asks Beatrice if she slept in the same room (or bed) as Hero last night. Beatrice replies that she didn’t sleep with Hero last night, but they had shared a room/bed every night for a year prior to last night. Leonato takes this as confirmation that Hero did meet with the ruffian at her window last night. He asks if the princes and Claudio would lie, and he notes that Claudio cried as he accused Hero–therefore, Leonato declares that Hero should be left for dead.
ES: Then, the friar speaks up and explains that he has been silent and observing Hero’s reactions and behavior. The friar trusts his intuition and experience, both of which are telling him that Hero is innocent and there is some misunderstanding. Leonato does not believe the friar and points out that Hero has not yet denied the accusations. The friar then turns to Hero and asks who the man was that she is accused of having an indecent relationship with.
KS: Hero replies that those who accuse her know who the man is–she knows no such man. In fact, she does not know any man more than maiden modesty allows. She implores Leonato that if he can prove that any man conversed with her at inappropriate hours or that she exchanged words with anyone last night, then he can disown her, hate her, and torture her to death. The friar comments that the princes have made some strange error. Benedick replies that Don Pedro and Claudio are honorable, and if they have been misled in this, then it is the work of Don John the bastard (note: this is the first time anyone on stage has explicitly mentioned Don John’s illegitimacy).
ES: Leonato is still unsure, but promises if the princes are right about Hero, then he will disown her. If the princes intentionally slandered Hero, then Leonato vows to challenge them in a duel to redeem Hero’s honor. The friar responds that Leonato should take a breath and instead listen to the friar’s plan. The friar says that since the princes left Hero for dead, then she should be kept inside for a while and Leonato should say that she has died. Then, the friar instructs that Leonato and the family should act as though Hero is dead and perform funeral rites for her.
KS: Leonato asks what this will do, and the friar explains that this will turn Claudio’s slander into remorse. The friar continues that everyone who hears about this day’s events will pity and excuse Hero upon hearing that she died upon the instant she was accused, and Claudio will mourn her death. The news of her death will overshadow the gossip of her shame, and in the worst case scenario, she can always be sent to a nunnery. Benedick agrees to this plan, even though he is inwardly bound to Don Pedro and Claudio, and he impores Leonato to also follow the friar’s advice. Leonato does, and everyone but Beatrice and Benedick exit. Benedick asks Beatrice if she has been crying this entire time, and she says yes, and that she will cry a while longer. Benedick reveals that he believes Hero has been wronged, and Beatrice proclaims that the man who could avenge Hero would deserve so much of Beatrice. Benedick asks how someone could do that for Beatrice and she replies that it is not Benedick’s place to avenge Hero (in chivalric practices, Hero should be avenged by a male family member).
ES: Benedick then confesses that he loves Beatrice. Beatrice starts to confess that she loves Benedick but is also very distraught over her cousin. After some banter, Beatrice does confess that she loves Benedick. Benedick then asks Beatrice to bid him do anything for her and she responds, “Kill Claudio.” Benedick refuses, and Beatrice tries to leave and Benedick stops her. She tells him to let her go because he clearly does not truly love her because he will not duel with Claudio, who she calls her enemy. Benedick asks if Claudio is truly Beatrice’s enemy and she responds that she wishes she were a man because then she could fight the man who led Hero on only to slander her at the altar. She declares that manhood means nothing anymore because no one will stand up for Hero, and since she cannot become a man by wishing, she will die a woman grieving.
KS: Benedick asks her to stop and again swears his love to her. Beatrice implores Benedick to use her love for something other than swearing by it. Benedick asks Beatrice if she truly believes Claudio has wronged Hero, and she says she does. That is enough for Benedick, who agrees to challenge Claudio to a duel. He kisses her hand and says farewell. They exit in separate directions: Beatrice to comfort Hero, and Benedick to spread the word that she is dead.
ES: The constables Dogberry and Verges, Sexton (or the minor church official) as the town clerk and the Watch with Borachio and Conrade enter. (Note: again, throughout this scene, Dogberry, Verges, and the Watch speak in malapropisms, which add comedic misunderstandings to the following) So, Dogberry confirms that the assembly is gathered. Verges arranges the examination room. Sexton sits on a stool and asks who the criminals are. Dogberry and Verges misunderstand Sexton's meaning and confirm that they have the commission to examine. Sexton commands that the criminals step forward. The Watch leads Borachio and Conrade forward and step back.
KS: Dogberry asks Borachio and Conrade for their names. The two answer truthfully. Dogberry asks Sexton to write down each criminal’s name. Dogberry then asks Conrade if he serves God. Both Conrade and Borachio respond yes, they hope. Dogberry tells Sexton to write that down as well and advises Sexton to write God first since God should go before villains. Dogberry turns back to Borachio and Conrade and says they are little better than false knaves and asks them to answer for themselves. Conrade denies that label. Dogberry pulls Borachio aside in the hopes of extorting a confession by interrogating Borachio separately. But Borachio also denies the label. This leads Dogberry to conclude the two are in collusion.
ES: Sexton tells Dogberry that he is not going about this interrogation the proper way. Dogberry must call the Watch because the Watch are the accusers. Dogberry calls the Watch forward, and they come forward. Dogberry charges the Watch to accuse Borachio and Conrade. The first Watchman accuses Borachio of saying Don John was a villain. Dogberry retorts it is perjury to call a prince’s brother a villain. The second Watchman shares that Borachio got money from Don John for accusing Hero wrongfully. The first Watchman adds that Claudio means to disgrace Hero at the wedding and not marry her. Dogberry condemns Borachio to damnation for this. Sexton says that Don John departed this morning, and what the Watchmen spoke of came true, resulting in Hero suddenly dying. He orders Borachio and Conrade be bound and brought to Leonato’s. Sexton will also go and share with Leonato the interrogation. Sexton exits.
KS: Dogberry commands Borachio and Conrade to be bound. The Watch moves to bind them. Conrade demands the Watch get off of him and calls one of them a fool. Dogberry asks for Sexton so he can write this down. Dogberry again commands the Watch to bind Borachio and Conrade. Conrade resists, so Dogberry scolds him. Conrade then calls Dogberry an ass, which leads Dogberry to demand Conrade respect his authority and age. Dogberry then compares Conrade’s villainy to his own good qualities in appearance, traits and social status. Dogberry commands Borachio and Conrade move forward, and they all exit.
ES: Back in front of Leonato’s house, on the evening of the wedding day, Antonio and Leonato enter. Antonio tells Leonato that if continues as he has been (presumably still angry over Hero’s slander), Leonato will end up killing himself. Leonato tells Antonio to shut up because no one can advise Leonato against his plans unless the person offering advice also had faced similar injustices. But, Leonato explains, there is no such man whose griefs can compare to his. Antonio says that Leonato is acting like a child, and Leonato again tells Antonio to be quiet. Antonio then advises that Leonato should not just self-flagellate and should make those who have wronged him suffer too. Leonato agrees and tells Antonio that Leonato believes Hero was slandered. Leonato shall make sure that Claudio and the princes know this.
KS: Just then, Don Pedro and Claudio enter in haste. They greet Leonato, who asks if they will stop and listen to him. They again say that they are in a hurry, and Leonato argues that he doesn’t care that they are in a hurry now. Don Pedro warns Leonato to not quarrel with them, and Antonio remarks that if only Leonato could right his wrongs with quarreling, then some present would be dead. Claudio asks who has wronged Leonato, and Leonato accuses Claudio. Leonato then challenges Claudio to duel to avenge Hero, who Leonato says died due to Claudio’s villainy. Claudio and Don Pedro are incredulous, but Leonato asserts that he will prove Hero’s innocence in combat with Claudio.
ES: Claudio shoos Leonato and Antonio away, but Leonato challenges Claudio again. Then, Antonio also challenges Claudio and tells Leonato to let him duel Claudio instead. Don Pedro tells them that while he and Claudio are sorry to hear of Hero’s death, they saw proof and believe their accusations to be true. Leonato tries to talk to Don Pedro, who brushes him off. Leonato and Antonio agree that they will be heard or someone will be injured, and they exit.
KS: Then, Benedick enters and Don Pedro remarks that he and Claudio had gone to seek Benedick. Don Pedro and Claudio that Benedick almost missed a duel between the two of them and Leonato and Antonio. Don Pedro and Claudio try to joke with Benedick, who tells them that he has been looking for them. Claudio asks Benedick to cheer up his and Don Pedro’s melancholy, and Benedick responds that his wit is sheathed. Don Pedro and Claudio again try to get Benedick to joke with them, but he refuses and asks Claudio if he can have a word.
ES: Benedick whispers his challenge to Claudio, who responds that he will meet Benedick’s challenge for entertainment–he apparently didn’t take the challenge seriously. Don Pedro, having only heard Claudio’s response, asks if they are going to a feast. Claudio and Don Pedro continue to taunt Benedick to try and goad him into bantering with them. Benedick decides to leave. Benedick thanks Don Pedro for everything, but Benedick must discontinue his service to the prince. Benedick reveals that Don John has fled Messina and explicitly says that Don Pedro, Don John, and Claudio have killed an innocent lady. Benedick reminds Claudio that they will duel, and exits.
KS: Don Pedro and Claudio realize that Benedick was not joking and sincerely challenged Claudio. They joke about Benedick, then Don Pedro quickly sobers up upon remembering that Benedick mentioned that Don John had fled. Just then, Dogberry, Verges, and the Watch enter with Conrade and Borachio, bound. Don Pedro recognizes Borachio and Conrade as Don John’s men and asks what offense they have committed. Dogberry responds (in a convoluted way) that Conrade and Borachio have slandered a lady.
ES: Don Pedro then asks Borachio and Conrade directly what crime they have committed. Borachio reveals how Don John got Borachio to woo Margaret in Hero’s clothing and made sure that Claudio and Don Pedro saw it all, in order to slander Hero. Borachio reveals that he admitted everything to Conrade and on the official record. He says that he is remorseful that the young lady is dead because of his and Don John’s false accusations. Don Pedro and Claudio are shocked by this revelation. Don Pedro again asks Borachio if Don John planned all this, and Borachio reveals that Don John paid him to do it.
KS: Dogberry tries to get the plaintiffs to move along, as they need to meet with Leonato and the sexton (who will have informed Leonato of everything by now), and Dogberry needs to make sure that it is noted that Conrade called Dogberry an ass. Just then, Leonato and the sexton enter along with Antonio. Leonato asks where the villain is, and Borachio claims to be the sole reason why Hero is dead. Leonato tells Borachio that he is not solely to blame as Don John, Don Pedro, and Claudio also had a hand in Hero’s death. Claudio asks Leonato to choose any form of revenge he finds fitting, but to remember that Claudio’s only sin was making a mistake. Don Pedro also agrees to any fitting punishment Leonato devises.
ES: Leonato tells them that while they can’t make Hero live again, they are to inform the people of Messina of her innocence. He also instructs Claudio to visit Hero’s tomb tonight and hang and sing an epitaph for her. Then, tomorrow morning, Claudio shall return to Leonato’s house and marry Leonato’s niece who is now the sole heir to Leonato and Antonio. This will be all of Leonato’s revenge. Claudio thanks Leonato for his mercy and accepts this punishment.
KS: Leonato tells Claudio that he will expect to see Claudio at Hero’s tomb tomorrow, but first, Leonato must bring Borachio face to face with Margaret, as Leonato suspects Margaret was also involved in Don John’s plot. Borachio protests that Margaret is innocent and did not know what she was doing when she spoke with Borachio. Dogberry interrupts to make sure that everyone knows that Conrade called him an ass, and Dogberry wants to make sure that this is remembered as Leonato decides on Borachio’s and Conrade’s punishments.
ES: Leonato thanks Dogberry for his pains, gives Dogberry some money, discharges Borachio and Conrade from Dogberry’s custody, and tells Dogberry to leave. Dogberry and Verges exit together, as Dogberry wishes blessings on Leonato. Leonato and Antonio then say their farewells to Claudio and Don Pedro. Don Pedro promises to see Leonato and Antonio at Hero’s tomb tomorrow, and Claudio says he will go tonight. Leonato tells the Watch to lead Borachio and Conrade along, as Leonato and Antonio will now go question Margaret about how she made Borachio’s acquaintance. All exit.
KS: In another place in the vicinity of Leonato’s house, Benedick and Margaret enter. Benedick offers Margaret a reward if she will help him talk with Beatrice. Margaret asks for a sonnet in praise of her beauty, and they banter back and forth before Margaret finally agrees to call Beatrice over. Margaret exits. Left alone onstage, Benedick sings a popular song to himself, then compares his love for Beatrice to the trials of Leander and Troilus (and all other mythical and fictional lovers) which he says pale in comparison to his. He laments that he is not good at poetry, and therefore cannot woo in rhyme or other light-hearted ways typical of a courtier.
ES: Beatrice enters and they flirt a little before Beatrice asks Benedick what has happened between him and Claudio. Benedick reveals that he and Claudio have only exchanged words, and therefore he will kiss Beatrice. Beatrice refuses Benedick’s kiss. Benedick then reveals that Claudio has received Benedick’s challenge to duel and should respond shortly or else be declared a coward. Benedick then asks Beatrice which of his bad qualities she first fell in love with first. She responds that she fell in love with all of them, especially since there is no good in him. Beatrice asks for which of her good parts Benedick first felt love. They continue their flirty banter, then Benedick asks how Hero is doing and how Beatrice is doing. Beatrice replies that they are both very ill.
KS: Ursula enters, and Benedick interrupts his conversation with Beatrice upon her approach. Ursula tells Beatrice that she must come home as it has been revealed that Hero was falsely accused, Don Pedro and Claudio duped, and Don John was behind it all. Beatrice asks Benedick if he will come to hear this news. Benedick responds that he will love Beatrice and come with her (in more than one way) and yes, he will go with them to Leonato’s house. All exit.
ES: At Hero’s tomb, Don Pedro, Claudio, and three or four others (including a lord and musicians), enter. Claudio asks the unnamed lord if they are at the family tomb of Leonato, and the unnamed lord confirms they are, then reads the epitaph that Claudio wrote and hangs the scroll on the monument (Note: the first Quarto assigns the reading of the epitaph to this lord, which could indicate some additional formality or ritual to this scene. However, some editors, and many productions, reassign these lines to Claudio). Claudio then tells the musicians to play and sing. They do, after which the lord (or in many editions/productions, Claudio) promises to perform these burial rites annually. Don Pedro and Claudio bid the others farewell and leave to change into more festive clothing before going to Leonato’s for Claudio’s impending marriage. All exit.
KS: Back at Leonato’s house, Leonato, Benedick, Beatrice, Margaret, Ursula, Hero, Antonio, and Friar Francis enter. The men discuss how Hero, Don Pedro, and Claudio were completely innocent in everything that has happened, and how Margaret was unintentionally an accomplice. They agree that they are glad everything sorted out so well, and Benedick comments that he is glad he doesn’t have to duel Claudio. Leonato then instructs all of the gentlewomen to go inside, and when he calls them back, come back masked. Leonato notes that Don Pedro and Claudio are expected soon, and that Antonio must pretend to be Hero’s father and give her in marriage to Claudio.
ES: Hero, Beatrice, Margaret, and Ursula exit as Antonio agrees to the part he must play next. Then, Benedick asks the Friar for help and for Leonato’s permission to marry Beatrice. Both the Friar and Leonato agree as Don Pedro, Claudio, and some attendants enter. Leonato asks Claudio if he is still determined to marry Leonato’s brother’s daughter. Claudio says he is, and Leonato tells Antonio to go fetch the lady. Antonio exits.
KS: Don Pedro and Claudio attempt to jest with Benedick, noting that Benedick still looks serious or angry. Benedick responds that Claudio is a bastard (albeit in a very polite way). As Claudio says that he will get Benedick back for that, Antonio re-enters with Hero, Margaret, Ursula, and Beatrice all masked. Claudio asks which is the lady he is to marry, and Antonio leads Hero forward. Claudio asks to see Hero’s face unmasked, and Leonato says he will not be allowed to until after they are married before the friar.
ES: Claudio then offers his hand to the masked Hero and says he will be her husband, if she will have him (giving her an opportunity to refuse). Hero then unmasks, revealing to Claudio and Don Pedro that she is still alive (and still a maiden). The friar promises to tell a surprised Don Pedro and Claudio everything after the wedding, then bids the group go to the chapel.
KS: Benedick asks the friar to wait a moment and then asks which masked lady is Beatrice. Beatrice reveals herself, and Benedick asks if she loves him. She says she loves him no more than reason, and he says that Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato are deceived because they swore she loved him. She asks him the same, and upon his refusal, says that Hero, Margaret and Ursula are also deceived. They go back and forth denying (or downplaying) their love for each other until Leonato interrupts and Claudio and Hero both produce sonnets written by Benedick and Beatrice, respectively, about the other.
ES: With written proof of their love in front of them, Beatrice and Benedick begrudgingly agree to marry. Leonato then tells them to be quiet and gives them to each other. Note: many editions and productions assign this line, “Peace! I will stop your mouth,” to Benedick, but the quarto assigns it to Leonato, which modern editors find more egalitarian as Leonato is acting in his role as guardian and quieting both of them instead of Benedick quieting Beatrice.
KS: Don Pedro then asks Benedick how he is doing now that he is about to be married, and Benedick responds that he cannot be teased out of this decision. Benedick continues that he no longer can find any reason not to marry, and that he cannot be held accountable for what he previously said against marriage. He tells Claudio that now they are to be kinsmen, Benedick will no longer beat Claudio in a duel. Claudio responds that if Benedick had denied Beatrice, Claudio would’ve made sure Benedick got married.
ES: Benedick calls for music and dancing, and Leonato says that they will have that after the marriage ceremony. Benedick insists on music and dancing first, and then tells Don Pedro that Don Pedro looks sad and should get a wife, too. A messenger enters and tells Don Pedro that Don John has been apprehended and brought back to Messina under armed guard. Benedick tells Don Pedro to not think about Don John tonight–Benedick will help the prince come up with excellent punishments for Don John tomorrow. Benedick calls for the musicians to start playing, and the entire wedding party dances.
KS: And that’s Much Ado About Nothing!
ES: Thank you for listening!
Quote of the Episode:
ES: From Antony and Cleopatra, act three, scene eleven, said by Enobarbus, “Alack, alack!”Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp.
Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander.
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Works referenced:
Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing: Revised Edition. Edited by Claire McEachern, 2nd ed., Bloomsbury Publishing, 2016.
