Much Ado About Nothing Summary

1. Much Ado About Nothing Summary

2. Act 5.1 • Leonato and Antonio threaten Don Pedro and Claudio • Benedick tells Don Pedro he can no longer be in his service after challenging Claudio to a duel • Dogberry and Verges bring the guilty party to see Leonato • The truth is revealed that Borachio and Don John slandered Hero’s name; she is innocent and Borachio feels great remorse for what he has done

3. Act 5.1 cont. • Leonato not only blames Borachio but Don Pedro and Claudio for this death as well; Claudio has to pay for his actions • Leonato gives him 3 deeds to fulfill: marry his niece, lay at her grave a poem honoring her and publicly apologize

4. Act 5.2 • Mourning procession; Claudio weeps at Hero’s grave, puts the poem up for all to see, and publicly apologizes

5. Act 5.3 • Benedick and Beatrice court each other and continue to declare their love for each other (and to be smart with each other) • They think no one else is aware of their feelings for each other • Ursula comes to tell them the good news that Hero is innocent and Don John is the guilty party

6. Act 5.4 • A second wedding takes place • Benedick asks the Friar if he can perform another marriage (between him and Beatrice) • Claudio is to marry Leonato’s “niece” but instead it is Hero (yay!)

7. Act 5.4 cont. • All is well, but of course Benedick wants to speak with Beatrice • Does she love him? No, she does not… • But, love notes by them to the other proves they do love each other; they finally admit publicly they love each other

8. Act 5.4 cont. • Everyone is happy and has made up, but Don Pedro. Benendick advises him to “get thee a wife” • Don John is arrested and will be dealt with later; he ain’t talking! • Everyone lives happily ever after! 