Reviews

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

andotherworlds's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 // maan walked so that the arranged pairing/fake dating plotlines of this generations emily henrys could run

outcolder's review against another edition

5.0

The text here is from the quarto and extensive notes explain not only the archaic words, Elizabethan puns and renaissance fashions, but also which bits are most often cut or changed and why. The 140-plus page introduction does even more, including an overview of interpretations and illustrations of stagings throughout history.

I was struck by the role of fake news in the play. We approve of the fake news that brings Beatrice and Benedick together: it inspires love, and those two deserve to be tricked because they both think they are so clever. The fake news that slanders Hero though breaks up a love, nearly leads to death and duels and is therefore wrong. Also the people who tricked Beatrice and Benedick confess voluntarily whereas the bad guys have to be arrested. It’s an interesting kind of information ethics in this play.

Shakespeare is fun, and it ain’t that hard to understand, even Dogberry who keeps saying the opposite of what he means and is too cunning to be understood.

rhymingtree's review against another edition

funny hopeful relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

sandwiiche's review against another edition

challenging funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

damn, didn't realise how good the banter was in the 17th century 

aliteralfield's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Trying to get into listening to audio books so thought a play would be a good starting point. 
I really liked this plat especially the more outspoken women like Breatice. Initially not liking Benedick due to his views on women but the he feel in love and sort of changed him but how much in actuality is undecided. I didn’t really get the guard scenes but just went along with it. 

mitly's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

annrhub's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

realtomatotin's review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

tidestriders's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

BEATRICE: I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.

lilsoliver's review against another edition

5.0

Maybe my new favorite Shakspear novel. Enemies to lovers for the ages. Mombinds all the best things about Shakespear: mistaken identity, unlikely romances, and general hilarity.