Much Ado About Nothing · Chapter
Scene V explained
Leonato is approached by Dogberry and Verges, who attempt to report the capture of two criminals but are so verbose and confused that Leonato, in a hurry for his daughter's wedding, tells them to handle the examination themselves and bring
What happens
Leonato is approached by Dogberry and Verges, who attempt to report the capture of two criminals but are so verbose and confused that Leonato, in a hurry for his daughter's wedding, tells them to handle the examination themselves and bring him the report.
Themes in this chapter
Folly and Comedy
Dogberry and Verges' malapropisms and circular dialogue provide comic relief and highlight the theme of folly.
Appearance vs. Reality
The watchmen have actually captured the real villains, but their bumbling presentation makes them appear foolish, obscuring the truth.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Marry, sir, I would have some confidence with you that decerns you nearly.”
Sir, I wish to speak with you about a matter that concerns you closely.
Dogberry's malapropism: 'confidence' for 'conference' and 'decerns' for 'concerns'.
“Comparisons are odorous: palabras, neighbour Verges.”
Comparisons are odious; enough words, neighbor Verges.
Dogberry's malapropism: 'odorous' for 'odious' and 'palabras' (Spanish for 'words') to mean 'no more talk'.
“Our watch tonight, excepting your worship’s presence, ha’ ta’en a couple of as arrant knaves as any in Messina.”
Our watch tonight, with all due respect to you, has captured a couple of as thorough rogues as any in Messina.
Verges reports the capture of Borachio and Conrade, though his phrasing is muddled.