Battle

At the beginning of the play, Don Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick have all returned from fighting a successful battle, in which they have had very few casualties. Claudio has distinguished himself through his service on the field.

Masks

The characters literally carry masks at the ball, through which they can hide their faces. They also carry metaphorical masks with them throughout the play, as they hide their true motivations, desires, and actions from the others.

Wit

Wit is akin to currency in Much Ado About Nothing. Characters such as Benedick are valued for their quick thinking, their word-play, and their double entendres. However, wit can also be used against characters, as when Beatrice throws barbs at an anonymous Benedick.

Music

The songs in the play describe both what is and isn't occurring. For example, a song treats the subject of infidelity, but it encourages wives to...