Much Ado About Nothing Essay - 1839 Words

‘Much Ado About Nothing’ by William Shakespeare contains many aspects that anchor the Elizabethan conventions of comedy, but allows us to question whether the ending gratifies the audience and does it actually create a satisfactory dramatic catharsis? Aristotle first discussed the concept of catharsis. He believed that â€Å"the poets aim is to produce pleasure in the spectator by eliciting from the representation the emotions of pity (for others) and fear (for oneself)†. I believe ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ creates a satisfactory dramatic catharsis by Shakespeare intertwining Elizabethan comedic conventions with other forms of comedy in order for characters to receive their cathartic, happy ending. We are able to say ‘Much Ado About Nothing’†¦show more content†¦Beatrice and Benedick’s love, on the other hand, is based on mutual respect, love and true admiration but Shakespeare uses the idea of a â€Å"merry war† as a cover for their romance due to the profound use of wit. I believe the characters partake in excessive use of conflict, as they are both similar, which has been done purely to amuse the audience. In the beginning of the play, there is nothing short of obvious attraction between Beatrice and Benedick but is hidden by ironic remarks such as â€Å"I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior Benedick: nobody marks you†, interrupting Benedick which is ironic in the sense as she was obviously listening to the conversation in order for her to say that. As Beatrice begins this â€Å"merry war† we are left feeling a sense of pathos towards Benedick, as this remark was unprovoked. Shakespeare was able to intertwine the plot of the â€Å"merry way† by tricking both of these characters into believing that they are both in love with each other. Shakespeare also uses this convention in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ where the character of Puck, incorr ectly used a love potion, leading to both Demetrius and Lysander being in love with Helena. This mistake from Puck opposed the original love relations between Lysander, Demetrius and Hermia. The purpose of Shakespeare extensively using the theme of conflict between characters throughout the play and the convention of intertwining plots, allows the characters to change and develop dramaticallyShow MoreRelated Much Ado About Nothing Essay: Illusions in Much Ado About Nothing585 Words   |  3 Pages Social Illusions in Much Ado About Nothing nbsp; In Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare presents us with a romp through the realms of truth and illusion. The play is full of characters plotting and deceiving, for both noble and repugnant reasons. 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It is the state or quality of being inconstant and unfaithful by virtue of being undependable or deceitful. Set in Messina, Sicily, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is a very popular play generally viewed as one of his happiest comedies and is often performed in theatres. However, the playfulness