Much Ado About Nothing

William Shakespeare

Summary

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599. The play was included in the First Folio, published in 1623.

The play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the town. The first, between Claudio and Hero, is nearly altered by the accusations of the villain, Don John. The second romance, between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice, takes centre stage as the play goes on, with both characters' wit and banter providing much of the humour.

Through "noting" (sounding like "nothing", and meaning gossip, rumour, overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero is not a maiden (virgin). The title's play on words references the secrets and trickery that form the backbone of the play's comedy, intrigue, and action.

Available since: 06/02/2022.

Other books that might interest you

HG Wells Collection - The...

H. G. Wells

Dive into the enchanting literary world of H.G. Wells with this captivating digital audiobook collection. "How Gabriel Became Thompson" invites you to witness a thrilling transformation that defies the boundaries of reality. "The Reconciliation" delves into the realm of human emotions, weaving a poignant narrative of forgiveness and redemption. 
 
Embark on a gripping adventure with "The Rajah's Treasure" as you follow explorers on a quest for hidden riches in a far-flung, exotic setting. "A Perfect Gentleman on Wheels" takes you on a journey into a world of innovation and curiosity, where a remarkable character navigates the landscape of progress and change. 
 
Finally, prepare to be enthralled by the mysterious "Mr. Marshall's Doppelganger," a tale that unravels the enigmatic duality of identity and existence. These stories showcase the full spectrum of H.G. Wells' literary brilliance, offering a rich listening experience that transports you to different times and worlds, engaging your imagination and intellect.

Show book

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley

"Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful." 
Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist, creates a living creature from body parts, only to be horrified by his monstrous creation. Rejected by society and seeking vengeance, the creature embarks on a path of destruction. 
This classic novel explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the ethical limits of scientific exploration, delving into the darker sides of human nature and the consequences of playing God. 
"I was the slave, not the master, of an impulse which I detested, yet could not disobey."

Show book

Leda - With Exclusive Interviews

Aldous Huxley

Though he gained recognition for his later essays and novels, Aldous Huxley started his writing career as a poet. Published in 1920, Leda is his fourth compilation of poetry. It begins with the passionate and slightly erotic poem "Leda", which recalls the love affair between Queen Leda, the mother of Helen of Troy, and her swan, Zeus in disguise. Some short poems follow. The book ends with two long sections. The first, "Beauty," is a short collection of vignettes where the author reflects on the concept of beauty through an ideal model of physical desire, Helen of Troy. The second, "Soles Occidere et Redire Possunt," or "Suns Can Set, and Suns Can Rise Again," is another long poem which reflects a day in the life of John Ridley, a deceased friend of Huxley's, who was mentally challenged throughout his entire life. Author Aldous Huxley was an English writer and philosopher. He wrote nearly fifty books, both novels and non-fiction works—as well as wide-ranging essays, narratives, and poems.Born into the prominent Huxley family, he graduated from Oxford, with an undergraduate degree in English literature. Early in his career, he published short stories and poetry and edited the literary magazine Oxford Poetry, before going on to publish travel writing, satire, and screenplays. Huxley spent the latter part of his life in the United States, living in Los Angeles from 1937 until his death. By the end of his life, Huxley was widely acknowledged as one of the foremost intellectuals of his time. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature nine times and was elected Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature in 1962.Also includes several ultra-rare previously unheard conversations with the esteemed intellectual.Produced by Macc KayProduction Executive Avalon GiulianoICON Intern Eden Garret Giuliano©2021 Eden Garret Giuliano

Show book

A Little Princess

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Journey into the poignant world of "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, where resilience and imagination reign supreme. Young Sara Crewe, once wealthy and adored, faces a dramatic change in fortune when her father dies. Reduced to a servant at Miss Minchin's boarding school, Sara's unwavering kindness and vivid imagination transform her bleak surroundings. Through friendship and inner strength, she proves that true royalty lies in the heart, offering hope and courage to all who meet her.

Show book

The Napoleon of Notting Hill

G. K. Chesterson

When dystopian futures don’t feel so future at all…   Four decades before George Orwell wrote 1984, The Napoleon of Notting Hill defined the dystopian genre. One of the first dystopian comedies, instead of a dark vision of jackboots and surveillance states, G.K. Chesterton explores the question of what a society would look like if no one could take a joke.   In this future England, each new king is decided by lottery. When Auberon Quin, a man who cares only for a good joke, is chosen to be the next king, he resolves to spend his reign teaching his fellow governors how big a joke can really be.   While most district leaders are content to put up with Auberon’s schemes even when he insists upon elaborate costumes and heraldry, one provost takes his games much too seriously. When Adam Wayne, the Provost of Notting Hill, takes a military stand against his fellow leaders and seeks to defend his tiny fiefdom by any means necessary, Auberon’s joke has gone too far.   At a time when the dystopian genre is defined by hopelessness, Chesterton’s dry wit and tongue-in-cheek humor are a welcome respite. Follow Auberon and Wayne as they ponder the meaning of humor and virtue in a world where the swords are all too real and the defense of one’s pride may well result in blood in the streets.   Foreword by Dale Ahlquist, president of the Society of G.K. Chesterton.

Show book

The Case of Lady Sannox

Arthur Conan Doyle

The Case of Lady Sannox (also published as "The Kiss of Blood") is a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published in The Idler in November 1893.The story features an arrogant surgeon, Douglas Stone, who is in love with the married Lady Sannox, one of the most beautiful women in London. On his way to a rendezvous with her, the surgeon is asked by a Turkish man to operate on the latter's wife, who has cut her lip with a poison envenomed scimitar. The doctor is informed the woman will die if the poison is not cut out.Because of his desire to meet his lover, his need for money, his professional arrogance, and the opinion of the Turk that any delay would kill his wife, the surgeon goes ahead with the operation on the heavily drugged wife, whose face is obscured by a veil. After he has performed the operation, Dr. Stone realizes his patient is Lady Sannox, and the Turk her husband, who believes the disfigurement will be morally good for his wife. The surgeon suffers a breakdown.

Show book