Illustration of Hero wearing a mask

Much Ado About Nothing

by William Shakespeare

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Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

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Last Updated on February 6, 2023, by eNotes Editorial. Word Count: 117

Benedick is in Leonato’s garden thinking about love and marriage when he hears Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio enter. He hides in the arbor.

Balthasar sings a ditty about how deceptive men can be.

The party talks of Beatrice's love for Benedick, as reported by Hero. They discuss the ways in which Beatrice can be carried away by her passion and anger, but they also acknowledge her strengths. They concur that Benedick is too dismissive to be told of Beatrice’s feelings directly.

After they leave, Benedict acknowledges that he loves Beatrice in turn.

Don Pedro sends Beatrice to call Benedick to dinner, and he tries to see for himself whether she really does love him.

 

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Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

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Act 3, Scene 1 Summary