“Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare and “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde.
You must complete this coursework by Christmas.
“Much Ado About Nothing”: The game of love
Today we will work on introductory ideas about one of the key themes you will focus on: Love.
Much of the play “Much Ado About Nothing” is about ‘the game of love’ between men and women.
What are your views about the following statements? Discuss them with a partner/small group.
1. Men and women should marry persons of a similar social and economic status as themselves.
2. People choose with whom they will fall in love.
3. It is better not to marry than to marry and risk being cheated on by your spouse.
4. Most people can be trusted to be faithful in marriage.
5. Men are attracted to women who are assertive and bold.
6. Jealousy in a romantic relationship is usually a sign the relationship has problems.
7. Because parents usually know what is best for their children when it comes to choosing a mate, children should go along with their parents' wishes in this regard
Sayings about love
There are many sayings about love such as “love is blind”. Brainstorm as many as you can think of. Be prepared to share with the group.
What is the basis for these?
What is special about love that cause people to be “blind” or “fall”?
Love in popular songs
Now list as many popular songs about love that you can think of.
What kinds of love are they about?
Can you list different aspects of love from them – jealousy, breaking up, falling in love, missing a partner etc.
Songs about love in “Much Ado”: “Sigh no more” (2.3.)
After reading one of Balthasar’s song from the play, work in pairs to make notes on/annotate the song about these questions:
1. To whom is the song addressed?
2. What does it say about men?
3. What about women?
4. What advice does the song give to women?
5. Why do you think Shakespeare chose this song for this moment in the play?
There are several other songs in this play – in Act 5 scene 2 and Act 5 scene 3.
Can you find them?
Discuss what they are about together.
What aspects of love might we come across in this Shakespeare comedy?
Homework
Research customs for courtship and marriage in Shakespeare’s time in England (around 1600).
Make notes on at least one side of A4 paper to hand in on Wednesday 12th September.
DO NOT JUST PLAGIARISE from the INTERNET.
Image: Benedick and Beatrice in Kenneth Brannagh's production
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