Choose a play which explores the theme of love. By referring to appropriate techniques, show how this theme is communicated to the audience.

In his play Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare explores the theme of true love through a range of techniques. One of the most effective of these is the use of contrasting relationships. Shakespeare shows the legitimacy of Benedick and Beatrice's love by contrasting it with the superficial love of Hero and Claudio. This further emphasises how true love can be more tumultuous than the love which seems perfect but which falls through at the first test. This is just one of many techniques Shakespeare uses to illustrate this theme, and when combined they create a clear message to the audience.