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Noting In William Shakespeare's Much A Do About Nothing

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Shakespeare’s Much A Do About Nothing has seen many different interpretations of the title. Much A Do About Nothing could imply that a great amount of chaos has come about from an insignificant event. There are various different interpretations of the word “Nothing”, also pronounced noting, this was said to be the orginal title of the play, as the ending and final resolution comes about due to the exchange of notes as well as characters taking note of certain aspects of other characters. The word “Noting” was also slang for eavesdropping, which adds even more dimension to the title. Eavesdropping is what drove all the characters actions in the play and is what ultimately lead to the resolution of the climaxtic events.

The literal title of the play, Much A Do About Nothing revolves around the idea that there is a large fuss, about nothing. Although there is plot and character development throughout the play, the main plot is esssentlaily an uprising about absolutely nothing at all. An example of this is the dynamics and development of Claduio and Hero’s story development. Their relationship and storyline ruins friendships, but in the end all is forgotten and they end up marrying eachother. A big fuss is made yet in the end a simple resolution is reached, which ties in perfectly with the title. …show more content…

Noting could either mean the notes exchanged by Beatrice and Benedick at the very end of the play, as well as the characters deriving opinions about other characters based on what others have noted about them. The most promnant example of this, seen early on in the play would be when Claduio, after first seeing Hero, he asks Benedick “Dist thou note the daughter of Signor Leonto?” (Act 1, Scene 1, Line 126). This related back excellently theme and title of

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