Literature Assignment

A Commentary on Music in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing Movie (Act 1)

In the video Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare music plays a critically important role. The music in the video is significant because it is used to show the characters moods in a scene and also to it helps the audience to get a feel of the characters in terms of their emotional state. The movie begins with Beatrice reading a book to Leonato and some members of the household. The music in the background is soft and soothing which helps to capture the attention of the audience while also showing that the characters were in a peaceful, calm mood. Then it changes when Don Pedro (Prince of Arragon) and his men start approaching. The music gets louder and a tune showing excitement and joy starts to play instead. This again blends with the mood of the characters as they were happy to see the men who just return from war approaching the house. As the excitement heightens so does the music and this continues until the women and the men are finally together. But then the music changes again with scenes involving Don John. In these scenes we hear a kind of evil or dark tune playing which fits the mood of Don John and helps the audience to understand his feeling. The music also sometimes helps the audience to see what kind of personality a character as and it can also give a hint that something bad is about to happen. For instance when Claudio and Don Pedro were talking and being overheard the music hinted that something was going to happen with a suspense type of beat. This happened again while Don John and his companions planned their trick against Don Pedro and Claudio. So you see music does have a very important role in the video.

A Commentary on the Characters seen in Act 1

 Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon – Don Pedro is a kid hearted black man who always hope for the best for his friends and tries to encourage them as they do him. He helps out Claudio in wooing or wining over Hero’s heart since Claudio was afraid to do so himself. But though he is a sweet man he is envied and hated by his brother Don John who is an illegitimate child therefore called the bastard brother.  

Benedick, of Padua; a lord, companion of Don Pedro – Benedick a good friend of Don Pedro who does not believe in love or marriage and dislikes Hero’s cousin Beatrice who in turn dislikes him. He swears he would never get married and tries to dissuade Claudio from doing the same.

Claudio, of Florence; a count, companion of Don Pedro –Claudio a brave warrior who got honors in the war but a frightened man when it came to matters of the heart. Claudio was also a very easily persuaded man since he believed so easily the lies of Don John instead of trusting his friend.

Don John, "the Bastard Prince," brother of Don Pedro – Don John was the main villain in the play. He was an illegitimate child therefore referred to as the bastard child hence one of the main reasons for his hatred for his brother. He plots to destroy the friendship between Claudio and Don Pedro since he does not want any of the to experience happiness.  

Borachio and Conrade, followers of Don John – These are the men who support Don John in his plot, looks out for him and follow his every lead.

Leonato, governor of Messina –Leonato is the father of Hero who wants to see her married and also encourage her cousin Beatrice to do the same.

Hero, Leonato's daughter – Hero is in love with Claudio who she later gets engaged to. Hero is a beautiful, sweet and innocent young lady.

Beatrice, niece of Leonato, orphan – Beatrice is a very out-spoken young lady. She dislikes Benedick and is seen arguing with him throughout the entire first Act. She also like Benedick does not believe in love or marriage and also does not believe that there is a man that is suitable for her. She however supports her cousin and does not try to discourage her from her engagement.  

Antonio, an old man, brother of Leonato

      By: Kurne Williams