Clare speaks with the very knowledgeable Sophia Marsden-Smith in this episode, about William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Much of the conversation focuses on Shakespeare's exploration of the function of marriage in his society, and the problematic nature that marriage is positioned as the antidote to the many wrongs inflicted by the men in the text. A number of scenes are discussed closely, so students are encouraged to have a play handy to follow along.

A note - Sophia makes reference to 'sprezzatura', which is defined as "a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it". Click here for some more information.

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