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The Influence of Commedia dell’arte on Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

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The Influence of Commedia dell’arte on Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare Commedia dell’arte had great influence of Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing”. This form of theatre shows many comparisons to the Shakespearian comedy. Commedia dell’arte created elements within a comedy that became standards across comedic literature. Love, deception, matters of out witting one another and jealousy are components that make up the back bone to a comedy. “Shakespeare made use of many typical elements found in commedia scenarios” (McQuinn, Anne), creating plots that parallel those of the Italian …show more content…

“Art always reflects the cultural sentiments within the society from which it stems” (McQuinn, Anne), the art of commedia allowed for Shakespeare to create stories which reflected societal views of the aristocrats. It was “entertainment by the people and for the people; and it is this very close relationship with humanity which gives this highly theatrical form its life” (McQuinn, Anne).

Commedia dell’arte offered Shakespeare rich and thoughtful stock storylines that created the base of a universal plot. “Commedia found the depth within its performances to cover both the genres of comedy and tragedy” (McQuinn, Anne) as did Shakespeare in “Much Ado About Nothing”. A “comedy, beginning in turmoil but ending in harmony, celebrates life; but tragedy's course from prosperity to calamity expresses rejection of life” (Snyder, Susan- session 2). “Much Ado About Nothing” could of end up as a potential tragedy with the unjust and false accusations of Hero. But instead of having a tragic ending, hero will “die to live” (Shakespeare 72), as for her innocence will be proven and a true comedy will prevail with its happy ending. The familiar “courtship is the staple activity in the comic drama” (Snyder, Susan-session 4). With this’ comes deception, jealously, and the play on wits

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