How Much aDO I Like the Play?

For someone not taking a Shakespeare course, I feel as if I have read much of his work. I have performed in Pericles: Prince of Tyre,  and Measure for Measure, and I have read Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and seen a different adaptation of Hamlet. After finishing Much Ado About Nothing, I can say without a doubt that I have a new favorite. I am someone who loves comedy, and I was surprised at how much I understood the jokes the first time around. Usually, when understanding Shakespeare it takes a couple run throughs to find the deeper meaning. In this play however, it seems as if Shakespeare’s style was different. This play didn’t seem to hide deep ideas, or show secret views of society, it was made for enjoyment. It showed the witty, joking side of Shakespeare. I figured that I would enjoy the comedy style, I suppose I just didn’t think Shakespeare had it in him to create a work that I could see myself reading multiple times. I found that characters like Bendick were relatable in his use of puns, I found that the constant deception throughout the novel showed a humorous aspect to falling in love, and provided strong irony throughout the duration of the play. Compared to his other works, I thought that this play was readable. Not in the sense of enjoying watching or performing, or even literal reading. I have always enjoyed studying and reading Shakespeare throughout high school. No, this play was readable in the sense that I could find myself reading it on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The written form itself is made to create a mental story. As a somewhat thespian who greatly enjoys plays, I hope I can someday see my favorite of Shakespeare’s masterpieces live.

Would I suggest someone else read this? Yes and no. I read the play, but I also watched it be performed on youtube. If given the option, I would suggest the latter. I find that it is much easier to understand the language from listening to the play, and I believe that the correct emphasis of certain lines that made the play so enjoyable is better shown through a performance. While it is good to read the play, I believe the true masterpiece can only be see in the form it was meant to hold; a play.