*Spoilers*
Woo, it’s the third installment of my mini series! I have to read some books for my English class this year and I thought it would be fun to review them on here, where I could talk about them without the filter that I usually use in class! And that basically means that I am brutally honest about my opinions haha. This one is going to be about Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
I’m not coming into this bitter, which is a really big surprise to me haha. And I this one didn’t suck and I didn’t hate it, which is a big shock to me. (And to anybody who has read my other school reviews) I’ve only ever been exposed to Shakespeare through Romeo And Juliet, since people love to talk about that one. In 10th grade I read Julius Cesear, but it’s another tragedy, so it didn’t really stand out to me as anything. And I have seen the Tumblr posts about Shakespeare and while I’ve found them funny, I’ve never paid much attention to them.
This was my first time reading, and even really acknowledging, a Shakespearean comedy. Again, it didn’t suck! I actually enjoyed the plotline and the dramatics of it. It doesn’t take itself too seriously and I was kind of able to loose myself in the ridiculousness of the relationships and plot sometimes.
Sure, I didn’t find it particular funny, but I enjoyed it! It’s Shakespeare, so a lot of the plot problems (insta-love) are easy to brush off and move on. The characters are idiots and it’s fun to watch them scramble around. I honestly thought they were teenagers until I saw clips of the movie. They do act like teens.
I was surprised that Beatrice was so outspoken and she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. I was surprised that I enjoyed watching Benedick and her being tricked. I’m surprised this whole thing didn’t irritate me. It’s just light and fluffy and sure this faking Hero’s death plan will totally work! And yes, Claudio, keep being dramatic, throw yourself into your feelings without looking back.
There are issues with toxic masculinity and gender roles and some other things. It is the time period, but I don’t just want to brush them off. I feel like they are worth mentioning.
Also, I’m just saying, this would have been a million times better if these characters were queer. And I bet some of them are and I’m convinced of that. Benedick is totally a bi disaster.
The way this was taught also wasn’t the worst thing in the world. Sure, I did have some issues here and there, but we focused more on the love aspect of it and how that is defined, which I was totally cool with!
All in all, this made me want to check out more Shakespearean comedies, cause this one was actually kinda good. His dramatics work better for me in this format haha.
Thank you for reading!
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