Much Ado about Nothing

     Much Ado about Nothing is one of the great comedy plays by William Shakespeare. The play revolves around two pairs of lovers, Beatrice and Benedick and Claudio and Hero.
The play begins with Don Pedro retturning from victory against his brother, Don John. Don Pedro visits Leonata on his way home. In Messina, Claudio falls deeply in love with Hero, Leonata's daughter and Benedick with the Leonata's niece, Beatrice.
The story takes place in Messina, Italy. Leonata has one daughter who is named Hero; he is also raising Beatrice, his niece. When Claudiomeets Hero the first night they fall instantly in love. They decide to make Benedick and Beatrice to fall in love and their plan works. Don John try again to come up with another plan, he tricks Claudio into thinking that Hero loves somebody else so that their wedding will be ruined. Claudio is furious and swears to deny Hero next day at their wedding but the wedding's day is saved by Dogberry.
Themes:the importance of honor, deception
Motifs: public shaming, nothing, entertainment
Symbols: war, Hero's death