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MUCH ADOE ABOUT NOTHING

The title of this Comedy broadly describes its character, and is based upon the double meaning of "Nothing." The events that constitute the plot are the result of "note-ing" or overhearing and so taking note of events which are deceptive in some way. Hence, in all the "note-ing" that takes place, there is, after all "nothing," and the whole amusing plot constitutes much ado about nothing. The letter "h" in Nothing was often silent in Elizabethan pronunciation. The "h" in "Moth" in "Love's Labour's Lost" is another example.

Noting or overhearing as a factor of the plot is introduced also in "Love's Labour's Lost." It is one of several links in workmanship with that Play and its use there may have suggested the production of a Play almost altogether built, as this is, on overhearing or taking critical notice such as Benedicke and Beatrice take of each other.

The part of the plot that is based on an already existent story does not develop this noteing element particularly. For that reason it is the likelier that it is a device of Shakespeare's to make up his Comedy.

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