shakespeare-noting in much ado

Discuss The Importance Of Noting In Much Ado About Nothing

Noting, or observing, is central to many of the ideas in Much Ado About Nothing. The word nothing was pronounced as noting in Elizabethan times, and it seems reasonable to presume that the pun was intended by Shakespeare to signal the importance of observation, spying and eavesdropping in the play. As a plot device, these occurrences propel the action and create humour and tension. The perils of noting incorrectly are portrayed and this leads naturally to the investigation of another major theme, the discrepancy between appearance and reality. Shakespeare uses the problems of illusion, deception and subjectivity of perception to examine the Elizabethan patriarchy, and he shows how adhering to convention can distort the views of society’s leaders.

Plot development and comedy in Much Ado rely heavily on the use of noting. The play appears to have a simple plot; the romantic couple, Claudio and Hero, are denied marital joy by the evil Don John while the sub-plot, Beatrice’s and Benedick’s resisted but growing love, provides us with some humour until order and happiness are re-established in Messina. However, Shak

Leonato’s adherence to the male codes of honour and virtue cloud his perception. He, too, suffers from Claudio’s distorted view of women. This illusion, the “Dian” goddess that Claudio refers to, seems to be drawn from male idealism because Leonato and Claudio feel it is their honour that Hero has besmirched. Don Pedro, Leonato and Claudio are so immersed in the conventions and codes of patriarchal society that their ability to note correctly is impaired. They may be capable of self-perception, but they are bound by the rituals surrounding their roles (Hero demonstrates this problem - the wit and intelligence she displays in front of her own sex is hidden when men are around. Patriarchal society demands she play the role of silent goddess). Benedick turns his back on these codes when he challenges Claudio. He is able to perceive Hero’s innocence and suspect Don Jon’s involvement because he exists on the periphery of society. This can also be said for Beatrice (she is an orphan and does not have Hero’s parental pressure). They both eschew the courtly style and behaviour expected of Hero and Claudio and are able to think and act in a freer fashion. Friar Francis, being a cleric, definitely stands outside of society, and the others to note correctly, The Watch, belong to a totally different class. It seems that Shakespeare is suggesting that only those that are not controlled by patriarchal rules and rituals are capable of an undistorted view of life. The inability of the Messina aristocracy to note correctly points to this reading.

Some topics in this essay:
Claudio Hero, Friar Francis, Ado Noting, Don Pedro, Leonato Claudio, Beatrice’s Benedick’s, Don John’s, Shakespeare Watch’s, Beatrice Benedick, Benedick Shakespeare, note correctly, appearance reality, don pedro, patriarchal society, beatrice benedick, importance noting, friar francis, distinguish appearance reality, claudio able, play plot, orchard scenes, claudio don pedro, ability note correctly, perceive hero’s innocence,