Much ADO about Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare is considered to have been written in 1598 or 1599. The play was recognised in the First Folio distributed in 1623. The play is set in Messina and revolves around two heartfelt lovers that arise when a gathering of fighters shows up in the town. The first between Claudio and Hero is almost changed by the allegations of the reprobate Don John. The subsequent sentiment between Claudio's companion Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice becomes the overwhelming focus as the play goes on with the two characters' minds and exchanges providing a significant part of the humour. Through noticing (seeming like nothing and significant tattle gossip catching wind of) Benedick and Beatrice are fooled into admitting their adoration for one another and Claudio is fooled into accepting that Hero is certainly not a lady (virgin). The title's figure of speech references the privileged insights and guile that structure the foundation of the play's parody interest and activity.