After reading Much Ado About Nothing,  http://www.opensourceshakespeare.org/views/plays/playmenu.php?WorkID=muchado

write a review of the script. You could use Goethe’s plan for play analysis. You could also use Aristotle’s principles of play-writing and production. You might discuss the play in terms of its historical context and relevance/relationship to society today.  You could even write a review of the play.

Regardless of the approach you take it will help you to research the historical context of a play (the era in which it was written). Also useful are the history of the script and its production. You are encouraged to do some background reading for reaction papers.

Do not retell the story. Describe only enough of the action to inform the reader of the portion of the play you are referring to. Instead of telling the story analyze the meaning, value, impact, or significance of the play.  A good approach is to write a 60 word synopsis for the beginning of your paper, and then move on to analysis.

You are encouraged to express your opinions of the play, but statements like, “I liked it,” “I didn’t like it,” “It was bad,” “It was good,” “It was boring,” and “It was interesting,” are mere statements of sentiment. They only express an abstract opinion. They do not tell us why you feel as you do. State your opinion, but explain it and justify it.

Papers should be written in APA format. For more information about APA format please see the APA Documentation Guide. This guide can be found in the “Help” section of the Ivy Tech Virtual Library.  Your reaction paper should be no less that 500 words.