9.1.19

Leonato & Messanger

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Act 1, Scene 1: Key Lines

As is typical of a Shakespearean comedy, a period of peace and harmony is established early in the play. However the conventions of comedy dictate that this harmony will soon be disrupted.

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Key lines

  • LEONATO: How many gentlemen have you lost in this action?
  • MESSENGER: But few of any sort and none of name
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Typical peace

  • Much Ado About Nothing is set against the backdrop of a recently resolved conflict between Don Pedro and his illegitimate brother, Don John the bastard.
  • The Messenger’s response to Leonato’s question establishes the fact that the fighting is over, establishing a period of peace and harmony, typical of the opening of a Shakespearean comedy.
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Conventions of comedy

  • Nevertheless, the conventions of comedy dictate that this harmony will soon be disrupted; whilst he appears to be reconciled to his brother in Act 1, Scene 1, Don John will soon reveal his villainous intentions in Act 1, Scene 3.
  • An audience may question just how long this fragile peace between the warring brothers will last.
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Significance of status

  • Leonato’s use of the noun “gentleman” also illustrates the important role of men within the play.
  • This is developed further with the Messenger’s response.
  • “None of name” implies that no-one important has died in the conflict, although a “few” soldiers have.
  • Thus, Shakespeare subtly reveals the significance of status and reputation at the very start of the play.
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Misogyny

  • Structurally and thematically, the significance of status is an idea that is ever-present throughout the play and partly accounts for the misogynistic treatment of Hero by Claudio, Don Pedro and Leonato at her wedding to Claudio.

Jump to other topics

1Key Terminology

2Structure & Form

3Act 1: Plot Summary

4Act 2: Plot Summary

5Act 3: Plot Summary

5.1Act 3, Scene 1

5.2Act 3, Scene 2

5.3Act 3, Scene 3

5.4Act 3, Scene 4

5.5Act 3, Scene 5

6Act 4: Plot Summary

7Act 5: Plot Summary

7.1Act 5, Scene 1

7.2Act 5, Scene 2

7.3Act 5, Scene 3

7.4Act 5, Scene 4

8Key Themes

9Recap: Main Quotes

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