Henry Avila's Reviews > Much Ado About Nothing

Don Pedro Prince of Aragon in Spain, is coming to Messina the capital of Sicily, for a little R&R just having defeated his treacherous half- brother in battle, (with few casualties, nobody important) Don John (the "Bastard") they are now reconciled again ! His army needs it Rest and Relaxation, the governor of that city is his good longtime friend Leonato. The time is unstated but Aragon, ruled that island in the 15th century. Count Claudio who gained glory in battle in the Prince's army and a favorite of his royal boss meets "Hero", lovely daughter of Leonato. No need to say they fall madly in love and are soon engaged. Claudio best friend is Benedick another noble soldier, Hero has a cousin named Beatrice, the other two don't love each other quite the reverse. The sharp tongued with wit Beatrice, is known for causing her suitors to quietly go into the night meekly, dejectedly and afraid. The battle of words between these people (Beatrice and Benedick) are electrifying, put downs name calling venomous insults anything goes, they fly like trailers in a tornado. Don John hates his half- brother Don Pedro, is jealous of his power and position, will always try to embarrass him if he can't usurp the Prince... So Don John, his men Borachio and Conrade conspire to wreck the marriage of Don Pedro's friend Claudio. The Prince's brother is a petty man and arranges with Don Pedro, Claudio and himself to view the apparent infidelity of Hero, the three secretly watching below her window at night, with the recognized Borachio in plain sight, but is the daughter of Leonato there ? All is ruined, the distraught Claudio breaks the engagement at the altar with angry accusations, Hero faints dead away. Her father Leonato and his brother Antonio are humiliated, shamed and later on very enraged, these ancient gentlemen want revenge family honor demands it . But what can they do ? In another strange turn of events, with the help of the Prince and a masquerade ball Beatrice and Benedick, unknowingly dance together , soon after start to really like each other. And the villains Borachio and Conrade, are shortly arrested by the night watchmen of the city overhearing them talking about some interesting secrets, information that is vital to many people. Brought to their leaders Dogberry, the chief and his deputy Verges, both speak a kind of language that only they can understand, their words mean exactly the opposite of what is said, Dogberry says to his men about the criminals, "Come, take away the plaintiffs" and "Don't you suspect my office ? ". The clownish kindhearted old men, have seen better days, will these friends be able to find out the crimes of Don John, before it is too late? Shakespeare the greatest writer who ever lived, has another superb play, one of many in his illustrious and unequaled career....