Much Ado About Nothing-Act 1 Questions
* school english assignment1. Part A: Comprehension (Answer in complete sentences)
1.1. Who are the main characters introduced in Act 1, Scene 1? Briefly describe each one.
- Don Pedro: The Prince of Aragon. He has won a victory over his illegitimate brother Don John, and is visiting Messina on his way home
- Don John: The illegitimate broter of Don Pedro. A stage direction describes him as 'the Bastard', and he describes himself as 'a plain-dealing villain'.
- Claudio A young nobleman who has been honored for his conduct in the recent fighting, but is still very immature and naive in his judgements.
- Benedick: A follow of Don Pedro. His name (benedictus) means 'the blessed one'(coming from the latin root bene, meaning good, and the root dicere meaning to speak, making the literal translation 'well-spoken'). He has a dopted a pose of woman-hater and swears he will remain a bachelor.
- Borachio: A follower and friend of Don John, and the originator of the scheme to discredit Hero. His name comes from the spanish word for 'wine-bottle'.
- Leonato: The governor of messina and father of hero. He is flattered by the attentons of don pedro, and quick to believe whatever the prince tells him
- Hero: The daughter of Leonato, described by claudio as 'a modest young lady', and dismissed by benedick as 'too low for a high praise, and too little for a great praise'. er name may have been suggested by Hero and Leander, a narrarative poem (Published 1598) by CHristopher Marlowe, which tells the tragedy of two lovers in Greek mythology.
- Beatrice Although Leonato is 'her uncle' and her guardian', the position of beatrice in leonatos family and household is unclear. She speaks and ebhaves with more than usual reedom, and her intelligence presents a challenge to all the male characters. Her bane name means 'the blessed one', coming from the latin root beatus, meaning happy. She too has sworn to never marry.
1.2. What news does the messenger bring at the beginning of the play? Why is it important?
The messenger brings news of Messina's victory with minimal losses and the achievements of Claudio & Don Pedro. This is important because it tells us about Messina's success and aobut the reputation of claudio.
1.3. *How do Benedick and Beatrice interact when they first speak? What does their exchange reveal about their relationship?
1.4. Who is Don Pedro, and what role does he play in the story so far?
1.5. Explain the situation between Claudio and Hero. How do they feel about each other at this point?
2. Part B: Character and Theme Analysis
2.1. Beatrice is known for her sharp wit. Find one line in Act 1 where she shows this wit. What does it reveal about her personality?
2.2. Compare the personalities of Benedick and Claudio. How are they similar or different?
2.3. What role does gossip or “hearing things about others” play in Act 1? Give one example
2.4. Consider Don John’s introduction. How does Shakespeare show that he might cause trouble later in the play?
2.5. Find one line in Act 1 that shows Don John’s negative or bitter attitude. Write the line and explain what it suggests about him.
3. Quotation Analysis
3.1. Analyze this quote from Beatrice: “I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.”
3.1.1. What does it tell us about Beatrice’s view of love?
3.1.2. How might this foreshadow events in the play?
3.2. Benedick says: “I will live a bachelor.”
3.2.1. What does this reveal about his attitude toward marriage?
3.2.2. How might it affect his interactions with Beatrice?
4. Elsewhere
4.1. References
4.2. In my garden
Notes that link to this note (AKA backlinks).