© Boardworks Ltd 2004 1 of 19 Much Ado About Nothing Act Three These icons indicate that detailed...

© Boardworks Ltd 20041 of 19

Much Ado About Nothing Act Three

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Act Three, Scene One summary


Act Three, Scene One

There is a clear parallel between the opening of Act Three and the close of Act Two. The trick that was played on Benedick in the previous scene works just as well with Beatrice who is fooled when she overhears Hero and her gentlewoman saying that Benedick loves her (just as the men convinced Benedick that Beatrice loved him).

How do Hero and Ursula appeal to Beatrice’s compassion and pride?


A change in Beatrice


What seems improbable is that Beatrice and Benedick, who are both mature and intelligent characters, could have fallen in love through trickery alone. The tricks played upon them seem to make them realize their love for each other rather than being the sole reason for their love.

What changes have occurred in Beatrice?

Did you expect this from her?

What clues may point to the fact that Beatrice and Benedick were already in love?


The silent woman

Another character who shows change in this scene is Hero. Until this time she has been a relatively quiet character.

There may be several reasons for this. Firstly, Hero wants to help Beatrice find love.

Perhaps more importantly, it was not customary in the 1600s for a woman to address a group of men. The quiet woman was seen as the chaste woman and on the contrary, a woman who was loud and brash was seen as something of a harlot. This scene contains only female characters and therefore not only can Hero speak without fear, but being the highest-ranking character present, she leads the dialogue.

Why does Hero choose to speak out in this scene?


Hero

Use a table like the one below to make notes on Hero.

Personality Evidence

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

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What is her personality?

How does the text support your view?


Act Three, Scene Two summary


Act Three, Scene Two – all change!

Even in this scene, Benedick proves himself a changed man.

Once Benedick and Leonato exit this scene, the tone alters.

Why does this happen and what is the change in tone?

Gallants, I am not as I have been.

In what ways is he different here to how we have previously seen him?


The atmosphere grows dark because the villain, Don John enters. Each time Don John is present he produces the same effect. Although this is a comedy, there is dramatic tension created through Don John who becomes the symbol of evil.

Act Three, Scene Two

Don John wastes no time in telling Claudio that Hero ‘is disloyal’ and that if Don Pedro and Claudio will accompany him to watch Hero’s window they will see the proof for themselves.


What adds to the sinister atmosphere is Claudio’s ability to accept Don John’s claim and his promise to punish her:

If I see anything tonight why I should not marry her, tomorrow, in the congregation, where I should wed, there will I shame her.

And, as I wooed for thee to obtain her, I will join with thee to disgrace her.

This is further evidence of Claudio's suspicious nature. However, unlike on the previous occasion when Don Pedro was the object of his suspicions, here Don Pedro vows to help defend his friend’s honour.


Act Three, Scene Three summary


The Watch

Act Three, Scene Three is a very funny scene. But what makes it funny?

Situation Watch’s responsibilities

Read the scene again and then copy and complete the table below.


Act Three, Scene Four summary


Margaret

What is Margaret's relationship to Hero?

What kind of personality has she?

Who is her lover?

What part has she to play in Don John’s plan to destroy the forthcoming marriage?


Act Three, Scene Five summary


Dogberry

Although Dogberry is a fool, he is honest and is therefore trying to do what is right by Hero and her father. Unfortunately he has no control over language and therefore is unable to prevent a tragedy from occurring at the wedding.

His poor way with words adds to the dramatic tension here. However, Leonato’s impatience also prevents Dogberry from having the chance to make his point.

This is not Dogberry’s last chance to communicate his knowledge of Don John’s deception to Leonato and after conversing with the Sexton, he will emerge as an unlikely hero.


Dogberry

What is his personality?

How does the text support your view?

Personality Evidence

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

________________ _______________

Use a table like the one below to make notes on Dogberry.


Who said what?

© Boardworks Ltd 2004 1 of 19 Much Ado About Nothing Act Three These icons indicate that detailed...

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