"Much Ado About Nothing"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how during Shakespeare's time, the word "nothing" would have been pronounced "noting" and how in his play "Much Ado About Nothing" Shakespeare brilliantly plays on the meanings and pronunciation of the word. In order to better understand the underlying significance of "noting" in this play and how it relates to the nature of society it discusses and analyzes the various references to it.

From the Paper:

"So, what is it that Shakespeare had to say about notes, noting, and nothing that makes this play so interesting? Well, it is most definitely a comment on one of the problems with any society of any time, which is modern day gossip and rumors. Every reference to a noting in the play leads to an inevitable conflict and misjudgment. Certainly the audience can see what Shakespeare saw as too many people to quick to place judgment on others according to words. While it might seem like words can't do much harm, it is words that put Hero's entire future, and life for that matter, at risk of being destroyed. It was those same untrue words that had Benedick ready to kill Claudio in order to avenge Hero and prove his love to Beatrice."

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