Nothing and noting

The title of this play refers to one of its main themes. 'Nothing' implies that the concerns of the play are trivial.

The word 'nothing' in Shakespearean times was pronounced 'noting' and so the title itself is a pun. There are many instances of 'noting' throughout the play: Claudio notes Hero's beauty, both Benedick and Beatrice note the words of their friends that lead them to love, Claudio and Don Pedro note Don John's trick to make them believe Hero is unfaithful. 'Noting' implies that the play deals with characters paying attention to each other and listening to what each other has to say.

'Nothing' was also a euphemism in Elizabethan times, referring to the female genitalia. The theme also refers to sexual desire and the quest for love.

	Created by Amanda Tabansi over 7 years ago

GCSE English (Term 1 Topics) Note on Much Ado About Nothing, created by Amanda Tabansi on 30/11/2016.