Much Ado About Nothing: Comedy or Tragedy?

     I believe that the play Much Ado About Nothing can be considered both a comedy and/or a tragedy as there are certain elements within the play that represent both humor or sorrow. To begin,  Shakespeare uses multiple examples of comedic expressions or actions within the play, therefore engaging the audience and creating a playful and light mood. For example, Dogberry is one of the most significant characters within the play that creates an entertaining atmosphere. He conveys comedy mainly within his thoughts and speech, whereupon he repetitively says " I am an ass...I had been writ down an ass." (4.2.74-85) He also refers to himself as a coxcomb or fool emphasizing that he is a jester or sorts, often creating jokes or amusing others. Another example of comedic or amusing events within the play is the love story between Beatrice and Benedick, as both question the others feelings as well as their own: "This can be no trick....I will be horribly in love with her." (2.3.210-224) "Can this be true....Benedick, love on. I will requite thee." (3.1.7-111) Although their thoughts or lines are not as amusing as Dogberry's, their actions and their own stubbornness create an overall comedic scene. For example within the movie, "Much Ado About Nothing", the actual act I found to be quite amusing as the combination of Beatrice's and Benedick's actions, facial expressions, and monologues created a hilarious and entertaining scene. However, there are also multiple examples of tragedy and deception.. Although there are no actual deaths within the play, Hero does fake her own death as the climax arises and a dark atmosphere descends the audience. "She dying - as it must be so maintain'd..then shall he mourn. (4.1.213-229) No only does Hero fake her death creating a bleak atmosphere, but there are also similar examples of negative or cruel trickery. Similarly Don John tricks his brother and friends into thinking Hero is no longer virtuous. Moreover, all are quick to turn  turn on each other and Hero in particular. "May this be so? If I see anything tonight, I will shame her." (3. 2. 103-109) Additionally, Hero's father turns on her quickly  too. "Do not live, Hero, do not ope thine eyes." (4. 1. 122) So despite having humor within the play, there are examples of treachery, despite, lies, cruelty, death, and abandonment within the play concluding that "Much Ado About Nothing" can also be an example or tragedy .