Reading journal act 1

scene 1

1. Their is the introduction of main characters
2. The setting is made clear and the context is developed - the context being that their has been a war and the men are returning home.
3. Hierarchy is developed ('lord' and an anonymous messenger)
4. banter between Beatrice and Benedick
5. we are introduced to Claudio's love for hero

• don Pedro and Claudio speak in verse together. Could this be to show their friendship?

scene 2

1. We are introduced to Antonio who is the brother of Leonato.
2. learn that Antonio over heard Claudio confessing his love for Hero. The two are happy and plan to tell Hero.

scene 3

1. We are introduced to Don John, Conrade and Borachio.
2. Borachio tells Don John that he too has overheard Claudio confessing his love for Hero but apart from being happy Don John decides to try and break up the couple.
3. Don john is the typical stereotype of a villain.

• Is Don John making up the fact that nobody likes him and just makes himself think that?
• Does Don John like the feeling of power? is that why he enlists Borachio and Conrade into helping him or are they just good friends?

The fact that the war has ended could be a paradox for the war has just started

eg - the war of wit has begun with Benedick and Beatrice 

eg - Don John's war on love and his brother (spiteful)

Act 2 and 3 are juxta positions - both have the same information but the way the two groups plan to use the information are different.
Don John speeches are written in blank verse

Could this show seriousness and comedy or evil and good ?

Don Pedro's speeches are written in verse