# Scene II explained — Much Ado About Nothing

> Chapter companion for Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Leonato

Learns from Antonio that Don Pedro plans to woo Hero.

### Antonio

Reports overheard conversation between Don Pedro and Claudio.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/chapters/act-i-scene-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/much_ado_about_nothing_se/chapters