Friday, January 20, 2006
Reading
- Much Ado About Nothing (1389–1443), Acts 1–3
- “Comedy” (BC, 81–85)
Notes
Think about the ways that comedy, as a genre, functions. In what ways does Much Ado About Nothing follow comedic conventions, and in what ways does it deviate from them? What might be the effect of those similarities and differences on our reception of the play?
The plot of Much Ado is heavily predicated on deception. Consider the different ways that Shakespeare employs deception and its motivation in the opening three acts. (Note well that deception works best when the deceiver plays off the tendencies of his or her mark!)
There have been a few questions about response papers. You’re expected to write on five of the eight plays we cover. If you want to write on Much Ado About Nothing, acts 1–3, that paper is due Friday, 20 January.
Dramatic performance scenes
I’ll be circulating a sign-up sheet on Friday. These are the scenes, so that you can consider your options before class:
- Feb. 15
- Richard III, 5.5.71–160
- Feb. 24
- Macbeth, 1.3.1–84
- Mar. 20
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 5.1.126–258
- Mar. 29
- Titus Andronicus, 5.3.17–65
- April 12
- King Lear, 3.7.41–96
- King Lear, 5.3.231–301
We can make adjustments if necessary!