Literature Test

“Betrayal is a theme introduced at the very beginning of this play how does this constant stream of betrayal affect the outcome of the plot and which characters are affected most.”

Betrayal is defined as the breaking or violation of a presumptive contract, trust, or confidence. And due to the secrecy and plotting of both friend and foe in the book, betrayal is a regular occurrence throughout the pages of “Much Ado About Nothing” pages. There are a quite a few examples of betrayal throughout this book ranging from the miniscule and playful to the malicious and cruel. All of which nevertheless affect the outcome of the play.

For example, Don Pedro devised an idea to make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love. It seemed innocent enough but Don Pedro knew of Benedick’s wishes never to get married and completely ignored them and betrayed them by plotting for his betrothal. Another form of Betrayal is the fact that Borachio used poor lady Margaret as a puppet in Don John’s plan to slander the name of Lady Hero. Borachio violated her trust by using her as a pawn in a plan, while she merely thought that she was being “wooed”.

The major betrayal in the story is the plan that Don John has to get revenge of sorts on his brother. Don John hates his brother the Prince of Morocco, Don Pedro and thus plotted to ruin the wedding of his Claudio and Hero. Don John made a plan to slander the name of Hero and have Claudio disgrace her name in the front the entire town. Don John lied to his brother Don Pedro and Claudio and violated the trust that he had between his brother and him. He merely used this to his advantage and due to the betrayal of Don John the wedding between Claudio and Hero was cancelled and Hero was shamed in a most heinous manner which even caused her “death”. This was the climax of the book.

In conclusion, I must say that betrayal was an integral part of the novel and it was due to this major theme and others such as deception and love  that the book is such an interesting tragic-comedy, filled with twists and turns.

Humour is Vital in any Comedy

“Humour is vital in any Comedy. Though Dogberry and his constables play a minor role in Much Ado About Nothing there presence is vital. To what extent do you agree with this statement?”

            In my opinion humour is unequivocally vital in any comedy. Humour is the life-blood that flows through any comedy. Although humour can be found in other literary pieces, a comedy is not a comedy without humour. In fact, comedy is defined as a narrative where the woes are looked at as amusing rather than disastrous and ends happily. Furthermore humour is the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement.  Thus, it can be seen that there is a fundamental relationship between humour and comedy.

            It has been established that comedy and humour are very intricately related. Consequently we must establish the humorous elements of the comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing”. In the book, humour is expressed by Beatrice and Benedick; the “merry war” between these two can be seen as amusing because of the pure openness and harshness of the comments made between these two. For example, in the very first scene of Act 1 they greeted each other with an exchange of insults such as “God keep your ladyship still in that mind! some gentle man or other shall 'scape a predestinate scratched face” spoken by Benedick to Beatrice as to rudely tell her that she should continue her belief not to take a husband but not to save her, to save her husband from a grave mistake. Beatrice responds by saying “Scratching could not make it worse, an 'twere such a face as yours were” insulting Benedick back and saying that his face is even uglier than any man’s who could possibly be “scratched”. The little back and forth between these two major characters are quite amusing to read, but this banter does not last throughout the entire book and isn’t a dominant aspect of humour.

The major source of humour throughout the book emanates from Dogberry and his constables. Dogberry is the head of police in the town of Messina and he isn’t the brightest of men for he continually uses malapropisms such as “thou villain, thou art full of piety” and “the most senseless and fit man”. In Act 3 Scene 3 his crew of comedic relief appear in four scenes throughout the book and due to their seeming lack of professionalism, they cause the audience to be entertained as well as do the job of thwarting the villains. For example, when asked how the men should react should someone refuse to stand in Don Pedro’s name, Dogberry replies, “Why then take no note of him, but let him go, and presently call the rest of the watch together, and thank God you are rid of a knave”. In Act 3 Scene 5, Dogberry and Verges attempt to explain to Leonato that they have caught two very suspicious men and wish to interpret them. However, their attempts to communicate their message are so long-winded, foolish, and generally mixed up that they fail to convey how urgent the matter is. To the reader, who already knows that if only Dogberry and Verges were not so bad at expressing themselves the entire climax of the book may have been avoided, it may be seen as humorous. In the interrogation scene, Act 4 Scene 2, Dogberry and Verges become so annoying that Conrade becomes so angry that he insults Dogberry. The lack of respect that a criminal has for a police man is also a sign of hilarity. Finally the final comedic scene, Act 5 Scene 1, Dogberry and his men bring the villains to Claudio and the others in an attempt to have a denouement but once due to Dogberry’s lack of professionalism and mastery of language, the task proves a bit tedious. Even resulting Don Pedro asking the criminals themselves what they have done. Nonetheless the unlikely heroes get the job done in such a style that it exudes humour and amusement. 

In closing, there are two sources of comedy in the book the minor is Benedick and Beatrice, the two witty lovers who spar with a brilliant display of intellect and the major source Dogberry, Verges and his watchmen. Their brand of humour is completely different from that provided by Benedick and Beatrice, Dogberry and Verges get half their words wrong, providing humour with their ignorance. Even though most of the humour derived from mere plays on words, without the comedic aspect of Dogberry and his team the book “Much Ado About Nothing” could not be truly deemed a “comedy” for Beatrice and Benedick’s battle are not prevalent enough or amusing enough to supply the reader with comedic relief. Therefore, because of the consistent and amusing humour in the Dogberry scenes it is safe to say that his role is vital because without him “Much Ado About Nothing” is not a comedy.

Much Ado About Nothing Act Summary

Act 1

In Act 1 of Much Ado About Nothing we are introduced to all the major charachters of the book. The play starts out at the house of Leonato, where he receives news of the approching arrival of heroes froma recent war Don Pedro, Benedick, Claudio and John the Bastard (who is Don Pedro's half brother). All these people arrive and are housed by Leonato. Immediately Benedick and Beatrice begin snipping at one another, proving their animousity which is a very prevelant issue in the play. Also, just as instantaneously Claudio falls head over heals for Hero, Leonato's daughter. After the introductions are over and Benedick and Beatrice's "merry war" is finished, Claudio approaches Benedick for advice on how to woo his new love. Unfortunately, Benedick makes it very clear that he does not believe in the sacrament of marriage and wishes "to die a bachelor". By the hand of Cupid, Don Pedro joins the conversation and vouches for love by offering to woo Hero and even getting approval fom Leonato in the name of Signior Claudio.

Now this news spreads extremely fast to the people in Leonato's house. Leonato's brother, Antonio, and Leonato go for a walk and Antonio explains the situation of Claudio's love for Hero. Leonato has no problem and even goes one further to tell his daugter, Hero in advance.

Alas not everyone hearing this news is thrilled. Borachio, a follower of John the Bastard overheard Antonio and Leonato's discussion and reported it to John the Bastard. Being such a hateful person, John the BAstard begins to devise a plan to sabotage his brother's good intentions and ruin Claudio and Hero's happy ending.

Act 2

In Act 2 of Much Ado About Nothing all of the characters plans are put into motion. Leonato hosts a big masquerade ball for the vistors and everyone uses it to their advantage. Beatrice manages to insult Benedick yet again without even knowing that it was Benedick she was talking to. Don Pedro also used his to disguise to woo Hero  in the name of Claudio, which was working perfectly until John the Bastard and his follower Borachio intentionally approached Claudio and pretended to think that he was Benedick  to tell him that Don Pedro is planning to woo Hero for himself. Claudio was persuaded but not for long because later on that night when the masks were lifted the good ews of Hero and Claudio's betrothal was announced to all. Claudio was estatic again. Don Pedro was also happy that his plan had succeeded too. He was so proud he decided to endevour on another trial, getting Benedick and Beatrice together. He plotted and planned with the others and they went to work.

Seeing that their plan didnt quite exactly work out, Borachio and John the Bastard devised another attempt to ruin the joy of the newlyweds. They proposed a plan to have Margaret dress in Lady Hero's clothes and be caught in promiscuous positions infront of her window in order to frame poor Hero.

Don Pedro's plan was also set in motion, he Leonato and Claudio had a very long discussion amongst themselves ( intentionally within the earshot of Benedick) about the undying love that they swear poor Beatrice has for Benedick and yet cannot admit. And Benedick willingly takes it all as the law from God above and is immediately smitten and believes that a marriage is possible with such a fair woman as the lady Beatrice. Benedick convinces himself that she has all the attributes that he is looking for in a woman and completely ignores the "merry war" of which they contantly partake.

Act 3

In Act 3 of Much Ado About Nothing the master plan of Don Pedro is continued, where the ladies now confess the maddening love that Benedick has professed about Beatrice. Hero and Ursula conversed on what Claudio had allegedly told Hero. But the words of Benedick love was so moving that even Beatrice was willing to "tame her wild heart at his hands". Beatrice just as easily took the mere gossip as the word of God and believed it.

John the Bastard's plan moved along quite swiftly as well he managed to meet Don Pedro, his brother, and Claudio taking a mere stroll. And he proceeded to lead them to the window of fair Hero where Margaret dressed in Hero's clothes was seen through the window, making love with Borachio. This broke Claudio's heart and they (Claudio and Don Pedro) decided to shame Hero the next day at the wedding service as revenge for her "treachery".

After the deed is done, Borachio proceeds to tell Conrade the tale while walking late at night but he does not realize the guards are listening to every word after Borachio has finished telling his story the gurads quickly rush them and hold them until there boss returns.

Hero, Margeret, Beatrice and Ursula spend the next scene getting ready for the wedding that Hero is about to have to Claudio. Hero is completely oblivious to the shame she is about to recieve.

All  the while the boss of the gurad Dogberry tries to go to Leonato for him to inspect Borachio and Conrade so that he may see exactly what lies they have to tell him but sadly Leonato took no time to see what "trivialities" Dogberry had to offer he had a wedding to go to as far as he was concerned. If only he had done the inspection the sotry would have had a different outcome.

Act1 The Movie vs.The Book

Act 1 in the Book

In the actual published book. Act 1 was an introduction the characters of the book. We met the major characters such as Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio, Hero, Don John, Benedick and Beatrice.We were even introduced to the major conflicts that shall take place throughout the book i.e. the "merry war" between Benedick and Beatrice and the scheming ways of John the Bastard. Although, sad to say, it was a bit lacking in description and due to the language of Shakespeare's time it was a bit difficult to truly grasp the meaning and ideas of the characters. That could be a result of the actual persons who read but even reading to oneself proved difficult at times.

Act 1 in the Movie

In the movie on the other hand, the description and detail of surroundings and scenery was extremely exquisite. It helped me to add more details to the story that i had already read. Also the actors added to the expression of the words and feelings by their emotive gestures, vocalics, choremetics and phonics. All these features helped grab my attention even more than the book could. The music also dramatically changed the way that i viewed the play. Through listening to the music i was able to be intertwined into the play and i personally got emotive reactions from jus listening to the music. I think the movie does a better job at portraying the true ideas of the book

The Life & Times of William Shakespeare

     William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminant dramatist. Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon to John Shakespeare and Mary Arden. His actual birthdate remains unknown, but is traditionally observed on 23 April and he was baptised in Stratford-upon-Avon on 26 April 1564. Shakespeare began his career as an actor, writer and part owner of a play company called the Lord's Chamberlain Men (later known as the Kings Men) in London. Few records of Shakespeare's private life exist.

     Most of Shakespeare's work was produced between 1589 and 1613, this included 38 plays(including Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo & Juliet and Macbeth), 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems(Venus & Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece) and several other poems. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories, genres he raised to the peak of sophistication and artistry by the end of the 16th century. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608, including Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth, considered some of the finest works in the English language. In his last phase, he wrote tragicomedies, also known as romances, and collaborated with other playwrights. Most of the plays were performed in the Elizabethan theatres of that Era.
     In his later years, Shakespeare became part of the ownership of the famous Globe Theatre where many of his plays were later performed.  The Globe opened in autumn 1599, with Julius Caesar one of the first plays staged. Most of Shakespeare's greatest post-1599 plays were written for the Globe, including Hamlet, Othello and King Lear.William Shakespeare died on April, 1616. However, written upon his tomb stone is an appeal bearing a curse to anyone who were to move his bones. It read:
"Good friend, for Jesus´ sake forbeare
To digg the dust enclosed here!
Blest be ye man that spares thes stones
And curst be he that moues my bones."
Shakespeare has been commemorated in many statues and memorials around the world, including funeral monuments in Southwark Cathedral and Poet's Corner in Westminster Abbey.

Questions about Brother Man

1. The major conflicts in the book are:

• Papicita and Girlie who constantly battled as Girlie struggled with Papacita's blatant infidelity. External 
• Cordelia where she struggles with her sanity. Internal
• Papacita and Minette where Papapcita was tryong to "woo" Minette but Minette constantly refused his advances.External
• Minette, as she battles between her love for Brother Man and what she should do because he shows no interest. Internal
• Papcita & Brother Man, Papicita competes with Brother Man for the love of Minette (even though Brother Man doesnt see Minette in that way. External
• Brother Man & Cordelia, Cordelia believes that Brother Man is purposely not healing her son. External
• Brother Ambo & Brother Man, Brother Ambo is jealous of Brother Man's success. External

2. Internal Conflict is a mental or emotional struggle that occurs within character whereas External Conflict is a struggle between the protagonist and another character against nature or some outside force

 

 

3.The 3 types of iroy are:

• Situational Irony
• Verbal Irony
•  Dramatic Irony

4. The basic idea of irony is to say or imply something and mean or do something else. This most evident in the character of Brother Man and his nteraction with the residents of Orange Lane, especially those who he help significantly. In the early stages of the novel, the reader sees that Brother Man is the epitome of a Saviour, namely Jesus Christ. Brother Man, having been converted to the faith from a 'bad' youth, was conpassionate and understanding, having experience some similar cases as people in the lane, he helped emotionally spiritually as well as financially. To the rude display of gratefulness by the people inb the lane by pelting Brother Man to a pulp near death after his help this very people who abse him now.

Angry Citizen

Crosbies

St. John's

Antigua

5th November 2010

Editor             

of Jamaica Sun

Tivoli Gardens

Jamaica          

West Indies   

Dear Editor,

                   I am writing to report a civil indecency that I witnessed on Orange Lane. I witnessed a savage vengeful crowd descend upon one poor citizen by the name of John Power or more famously hailed "Brother Man". The crowd rusheed this citizen out of pure ignorance and prejudice and it saddens me to have to report it.

                  The crowd was enraged because a few days prior a brutal homocide occured in which a man with dreadlocks murdered a young couple. Since then the people got the mentality that all people with dreadlocks or rastafarians are murderes or essentially bad people. This is so far from the truth and I am crestfallen that people in this day and age are so one-minded and thick headed. Have we not grown past the stereotyping and irrational prejudism? In these times it cannot be acceptable that people have the mentality that "one rasta is a murderer so they all must be murderers too". Also our society doesnt condone citizens who take the law into their own hands and exercise vigilante justice. We as a society have established a legal system capable of prosecution for offenders, therefore it is unnecessary and illegal for citizens to take the law into their own hands.

                 In my opinion, Rastafarians are not any diffrent from regular people. Rastafarianism is a monotheistic religion that believes who worship Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, former Emperor of Ethiopia as God incarnate, the Second Advent. Rastafari is not a highly organized religion; it is a movement and an ideology. Although the religion and beliefs for Rastas are different, it does not mean that they are extremists or murderers. The only "criminal" belief that rastas have iz the fact that they use cannabis on a regular basis for spiritual purposes while most Christians societies beleive cannabis is an illegal substance. So it can now be seen that Rastafarians are not that much different from Christians. Furthermore, i reiterate the fact that even if one Rasta did have an "extremist" mentality it does not mean that all Rastas share in his ideals.

                It saddens me to have to write this letter to you Mr. Editor but i just felt that I should share my opinions and concerns, thank-you for your time.

                               

Yours Thankfully,

Zachary Phillips