Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing
William Shakespeare
Edited by A.R. Humphreys
The Arden Shakespeare (Methuen), 1981

First impression:
Confusing. As per custom with Shakespeare, there are many names to remember and a straightforward plunge into the plot. The language took a little while to get into, but the notes are very helpful.

Review:
I found the play half predictable and quite bland compared to the other material I have read so far (A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet, Romeo And Juliet). It is not necessarily bad, but it is nothing that will be particularly treasured in my memory. The plotline is intricate enough, and I would have nothing against seeing it staged, but I think it was too lacking in both puns and passion to deserve any major praise. It might be the lack of actual progression that bothers me; things end more or less where you would expect them to, and there is little difference between the initial and final states of the play. Nevertheless, Shakespeare is always an educating read and should one feel like a daily dose of humorous deception, it is provided.

Rating: Good