Shakespeare, Dogberry, and Malapropisms

Shakespeare, Dogberry, and Malapropisms

Poll

How are you feeling about Much Ado About Nothing so far?

• I am very confused.

• I am confident about some things, but I am confused about a lot.

• I am mostly confident. There are a few things I am confused about.

• I am feeling very confident!

Multiple Choice

Who is Dogberry?

• The governor of Messina

• Hero's husband

• The town constable

• A friend of Don John

Multiple Choice

What is a malapropism?

• The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza.

• Something that is the opposite of what is expected

• The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar sounding word

• A comparison not using like or as

• Let us obey you to go with us.  

• Adieu, be vigitant, I beseech you.

​​Act 3 Scene 3

• Comparisons are odorous.

• It shall be suffigance. 

• Only the learned writer to set down our excommunication and meet me at the jail.

​​Act 3 Scene 5

Open Ended

Only the learned writer to set down our excommunication and meet me at the jail.

What does the underlined word mean? What word does Dogberry actually mean?

Truly, by your office you may, but I think they that touch pitch will be defiled. The most peaceable way for you, if you do take a thief, is to let him show himself what he is and steal out of your company.

Dogberry's Confusing Orders

Open Ended

Why do you think Shakespeare included Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing?