| Setting | 16th century Messina, ItalyWritten in late 16th century/Tudor/Elizabethan era |
| Contextual issue: Gender | Patriarchal society – paternal influence ruled and fathers as figures of authorityFemale conventions – depicted as having enjoyment from gossiping and eavesdroppingIdolisation and objectification of females – often viewed as promiscuous (cuckolding)Challenged by Beatrice |
| Male Honour and Repuation | Linked to male friendship, loyalty and militaryTarnished honour of cuckoldingAble to protect honour through denunciation and social disgracing |
| Female Honour and Reputation | Chastity aligned with virginityCould not defend honour if ruinedImplications of loss of honour on social standing of family – disgrace |
| Traditions and customs | Courtly love/courtshipPastoral traditions – countryside pursuitsMarriage as symbol of order and harmony – conventional ending to Elizabethan comedyClassical and biblical references/allusions – no direct references to God because of ban by Lord Chamberlain |
| Hierarchy | Importance of honour and reputation – especially to higher-class members of societyPlay flatters concept of aristocracy/high society/noblemen – for practical purpose of being performed often at court |
| Stereotypes | Illegitimacy considered to birth evil – Don JohnLow-class characters depicted as naive – inclusion of these was to include lower-class audiences |
| Comedy/comedic effect | Dramatic ironyWitty love/conflict relationship between Benedick and BeatriceLower-class characters (Dogberry and Verges) – malapropism |
| Gulling | Gulling of Benedick – Act 2, Sc 3ProseGulling of Beatrice – Act 3, Sc 1Blank verse – more romanticised which replicates idealisation of women |
| Denouement | Comic resolution – order restored as symbolised through marriage |
Much Ado – Context
July 15, 2019