Reviews

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

spoofa's review against another edition

funny

5.0

natebrantly's review against another edition

emotional funny informative lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.5

I greatly enjoyed the overview of Shakespeare and the Introduction to "Much Ado About Nothing" as well as the commentaries provided in this Signet Classic edition of the play. They were interesting, informative, and helped me develop a greater appreciation for this Shakespeare work. There were a couple of moments when I laughed while reading "Much Ado About Nothing"; however, much of the humor went over my head and felt of its time. I found it difficult to keep track of the characters and the settings, so I wonder if I may enjoy watching a theater production more than reading the script. I learned that Shakespeare is quite a witty writer through this play with a mastery of the English language of the time and the many meanings that words could have. I gained an appreciation for how the English language has evolved over the past several centuries. The footnotes were helpful for clarifying puns and words that may have different meanings to modern readers.

maplessence's review against another edition

4.0

I'll be editing this review next week, as I'm going to the Pop Up Globe in Auckland to see this play.

This is the final season for Auckland so I am really looking forward to it.

I'm also going to [b:Romeo and Juliet|18135|Romeo and Juliet|William Shakespeare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572098085l/18135._SY75_.jpg|3349450], but I'm not intending to reread this, as I have seen the Zeffirelli & Luhrmann versions multiple times. One of my favourite plays, two of my favourite films.

As far as a reading experience goes - a few of the characters were painful! In particular Don Juan, Claudio & Hero. And Act III was very long, so I started to lose interest. But I may feel differently after seeing this live.

Edit: I only took a couple of photos & they were disappointing, but I really loved this production. The company added a strong Pacifika twist to some of the scenes and the ones involving music were exuberent and joyful. I do still despise Claudio though!

https://wordpress.com/view/carolshessonovel.wordpress.com

scottaguirre's review against another edition

5.0

I keep coming back to this play for many reasons. The writing is beautiful as always and the characters to me are among Shakespeare’s most memorable. I love how dynamic the consumption of wit builds between Beatrice and Benedict. I have a strong connection to Benedict, because what he claims through words doesn’t match his true desire. I’ve come to realize Benedict is my literal spirit animal. Benedict cannot deny he is in love and cannot continue his facade as an eternal bachelor.

elilhrairah's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-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? Yes

4.0

jadesondag's review against another edition

3.0

Beatrice and Benedick were the OG enemies to loves

_sal_'s review against another edition

funny relaxing tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Much Ado About nothing is to me a gem within the Shakespeare plays for some reason I feel like I enjoyed this more than other more infamous comedies and tragedies. It had every thing that you could ask from in a Shakespeare work yet its when you think it'll enforce upon you the stereotypical tragic events when it comes forth to bring you a sense of calm after the tenseness. Like when Borachio is caught yet Leonato's impatience leads to the truth about Hero's innocence to not be acknowledged until after the event has occurred in which she is accused of being unfaithful by Claudius himself through the malignity of Don John, Don Pedro the prince's brother. I enjoyed it very much and I thought that the whole aspect of the plot being moved forward by a series of over hearings by all the characters was not only funny but something that kept me glued to the age. My favorite lines to come off of this are "Silence is the perfectest herald of joy. I were but little happy if could say how much. - lady, as you are mine, I am yours. I give away myself for you and dote upon the exchange. " coming from Claudio to Hero. 

dolly113725's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing sad 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

5.0

Enemies to lovers, villain plots, and stupid constables what more could you ask for?

pmhennen's review against another edition

beatrice isn’t like other girls.. she tells jokes

karjoynuss's review against another edition

5.0

This is my favorite Shakespeare play. Very funny