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Much Ado About Nothing · Chapter

Scene II explained

Leonato and Antonio discuss overheard news that Don Pedro intends to woo Hero at the masquerade ball.

What happens

Leonato and Antonio discuss overheard news that Don Pedro intends to woo Hero at the masquerade ball. Leonato decides to prepare Hero for the possibility.

Themes in this chapter

  • Deception and Mistaken Identity

    Antonio's report may be based on a misunderstanding of Don Pedro's intentions.

  • Appearance vs. Reality

    Antonio notes the news 'show well outward' but events may prove otherwise.

Characters to notice

  • Leonato

    Learns from Antonio that Don Pedro plans to woo Hero.

  • Antonio

    Reports overheard conversation between Don Pedro and Claudio.

Key passages

  • “As the event stamps them: but they have a good cover; they show well outward.”

    The truth of the news depends on how things turn out, but on the surface it looks good.

    Antonio cautions that appearances may be deceiving.

  • “we will hold it as a dream till it appear itself”

    We'll treat this as a fantasy until it proves true.

    Leonato is cautious about believing the news.

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