Much Ado about Nothing: Reading Guide

You will be creating a reading guide as you read Much Ado About Nothing. You may be as creative as you like, but you must answer all of the questions and define all of the vocabulary for each act. Please complete each act on separate sheets of paper and place them in your portfolio. Any answers written on this sheet of paper will not be counted.

Act I

Vocabulary: write a translation or definition for each word as it’s used in the play.

be reconciled bestow disdain hither

liegerepair reveling woo

Setting & Characters: For each scene, write the setting. Give each scene a title.

Questions: (complete sentences are not necessary)

  1. Where are Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, and Don John returning from?
  2. Where do Don Pedro, Claudio, Benedick, and Don John stay?
  3. Who is Benedick's close friend?
  4. Who does Claudio fall in love with?
  5. What does Don Pedro agree to do for Claudio?
  6. What does Don John swear to do?

Act II

Vocabulary: write a translation or definition for each word as it’s used in the play.

erein the interim mirth office

Setting:For each scene, write the setting. Give each scene a title.

Questions:

  1. How does Don John first begin making trouble?
  2. Explain how Claudio won Hero's heart.
  3. What do Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio agree to do?
  4. How is Borachio going to make everyone believe that Hero loves him instead of Claudio?
  5. List three qualities Benedick is looking for in a woman.
  6. How do Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio tell Benedick that Beatrice loves him?
  7. Why does Leonato send Beatrice to call Benedick to dinner?

Act III

Vocabulary: write a translation or definition for each word as it’s used in the play.

trothed scorn knave vilely lechery

Setting & Characters: For each scene, write the setting. Give each scene a title.

Questions:

  1. What does Hero say about Beatrice's heart?
  2. What is Beatrice's reaction when she hears Ursula and Hero talking about Benedick's love for her?
  3. What does Don John tell Claudio about Hero?
  4. How does Don John tell Claudio that he will prove what he said about Hero is true?
  5. What are Dogberry's instructions to the watchmen?
  6. What do the watchmen overhear?

Act IV

Vocabulary: write a translation or definition for each word as it’s used in the play.

impedimentwherefore lamented malefactors perjury

Setting:For each scene, write the setting. Give each scene a title.

Questions:

  1. How does Claudio shock everyone at the wedding?
  2. What does Hero do when Claudio renounces his love?
  3. Who believes Hero's side of the story?
  4. What does the friar suggest everyone say about Hero while they're trying to figure out what's going on?
  5. What does Beatrice ask Benedick to do?
  6. What does Benedick eventually do regarding Beatrice's request?
  7. What does Dogberry have the sexton do?
  8. What does Dogberry regret when the sexton leaves?

Act V

Vocabulary: write a translation or definition for each word as it’s used in the play.

braggartmilksoppray well-neigh

Setting:For each scene, write the setting. Give each scene a title.

Questions:

  1. What do Antonio and Leonato threaten (and try) to do when they see Claudio?
  2. What does Borachio do when he's brought before Leonato and the others?
  3. What does Claudio agree to do in order to make peace with Leonato?
  4. What does Benedick try to do to show his love for Beatrice?
  5. What happens when Claudio goes to marry Hero's cousin?
  6. How do Hero and Claudio finally stop Beatrice and Benedick from denying their love?