Much Ado About Nothing and the Roots of Romantic Comedy: Shakespeare Uncovered

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

12

Overview

Learn how Shakespeare invented the structure and character types we have come to love in modern romantic comedies in this video from Shakespeare Uncovered. In the play Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Beatrice and Benedick banter back and forth as sparring partners who seem to hate each other, but underneath it, all, are actually in love. Helen Hunt reveals how the play inspired countless romantic comedies in Hollywood and gave voice to a new kind of heroine, full of wit and the power of words.

Be sure to use the Discussion Questions under the Support Materials to help meet the standards.

English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 12

ELA21.12.1

Read, analyze, and evaluate complex literary and historical texts written from particular points of view or cultural experiences, with an emphasis on works of literature from the British Isles.

UP:ELA21.12.1

Vocabulary

  • Analyze
  • Evaluate
  • Complex literary text
  • Complex historical texts
  • Points of view
  • Cultural perspectives
  • British Isles literature

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Necessary skills to read, analyze, and evaluate complex literary and historical texts.
  • Strategies to identify and describe various points of view and cultural perspectives.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Read complex texts.
  • Analyze elements within complex texts.
  • Evaluate text based on specific criteria provided by the teacher.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Texts written from various cultural perspectives and viewpoints can provide them with valuable information about the thoughts, opinions, and experiences of others in the present and in the past.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

Custom
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