The Influence of Commedia dell’arte on Much Ado About...

The Influence of Commedia dell’arte on Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare Commedia dell’arte had great influence of Shakespeare’s comedy â€Å"Much Ado About Nothing†. This form of theatre shows many comparisons to the Shakespearian comedy. Commedia dell’arte created elements within a comedy that became standards across comedic literature. Love, deception, matters of out witting one another and jealousy are components that make up the back bone to a comedy. â€Å"Shakespeare made use of many typical elements found in commedia scenarios† (McQuinn, Anne), creating plots that parallel those of the Italian†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Art always reflects the cultural sentiments within the society from which it stems† (McQuinn, Anne), the art of commedia allowed for Shakespeare to create stories which reflected societ al views of the aristocrats. It was â€Å"entertainment by the people and for the people; and it is this very close relationship with humanity which gives this highly theatrical form its life† (McQuinn, Anne). Commedia dell’arte offered Shakespeare rich and thoughtful stock storylines that created the base of a universal plot. â€Å"Commedia found the depth within its performances to cover both the genres of comedy and tragedy† (McQuinn, Anne) as did Shakespeare in â€Å"Much Ado About Nothing†. A â€Å"comedy, beginning in turmoil but ending in harmony, celebrates life; but tragedys course from prosperity to calamity expresses rejection of life† (Snyder, Susan- session 2). â€Å"Much Ado About Nothing† could of end up as a potential tragedy with the unjust and false accusations of Hero. But instead of having a tragic ending, hero will â€Å"die to live† (Shakespeare 72), as for her innocence will be proven and a true comedy will prevail with its happy ending. The familiar â€Å"courtship is the staple activity in the comic drama† (Snyder, Susan-session 4). With this’ comes deception, jealously, and the play on wits