Illustration of Hero wearing a mask

Much Ado About Nothing

by William Shakespeare

Start Free Trial

Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Last Updated on February 6, 2023, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 151

Beatrice confides to the audience that no man is a match for her, and she gives Hero counsel about how to respond to Don Pedro’s proposal.

The masked attendees arrive and begin to dance, and Don Pedro, disguised as Claudio, draws Hero aside into conversation.

Beatrice, who is speaking with Benedick but acting as though she doesn’t know his identity, calls him a fool.

Don John and Borachio encounter Claudio, to whom they speak as if he were Benedick. They tell him that Don Pedro intends to marry Hero himself.

Benedick then meets up with Claudio and teases him about Don Pedro's supposed desire for Hero.

When he returns, Don Pedro announces he has won Hero for Claudio, and Leonato concurs.

Beatrice exits, prompting Don Pedro to remark that she and Benedick would be a great match. He asks the others to help him bring the potential couple together.

See eNotes Ad-Free

Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Act 1, Scene 3 Summary

Next

Act 2, Scene 2 Summary