Brandon’s Reviews > Much Ado About Nothing > Status Update

1st Viewing Suspense: listening to Dogberry and Verges describe hypothetical incidents, the audience feels the complexity of comic superiority to the clowning and yet anxiety that they will not detect Don John’s false accusations (III.iii). 2nd Viewing: the audience is charmed that justice can use asses like Dogberry and us.

Hero helps manipulate Beatrice at Leonato’s behest as directed by Don Pedro (54).

Don Leonato: “merry war betwixt….skirmish of wit between….” Euphony, and then….
Beatrice: “…four of his five wits went halting off….” appropriates Don Leonato’s metaphor, extending it as well as her critical portrayal of Benedict.

“Comedy is tragedy averted” (9).